“Killers of the Flower Moon”: A Sensitive Portrayal of Osage History

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Martin Scorsese‘s latest film, delves into the harrowing events of the 1920s that traumatized the Osage people in Oklahoma, but it has been received positively by the community it portrays, according to star Lily Gladstone. The film, which premiered in theaters on October 20 and is available on Apple TV, is seen not just as a cinematic portrayal but as a vital piece of storytelling, resonating deeply with the Osage, particularly the women.

Lily Gladstone, a member of Montana’s Blackfeet tribe, emphasized the dual nature of the film’s impact during an interview. “It is a celebration of representation, but it is also a very triggering, traumatic thing to sit and bear witness to,” she shared. Despite the emotional weight of the film, the Osage community acknowledges its importance. Gladstone relayed the sentiments of Osage women who found strength in viewing and discussing the film together, highlighting its significance in bringing a painful part of their history to light.

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” adapted from David Grann’s book, delves into the chilling story of how the Osage were systematically murdered for control over lucrative oil rights. The film also explores the complex relationship dynamics in the marriage of an Osage woman, played by Gladstone, to a white man, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio’s character, entangled in a conflict of loyalty between his love for his wife and children and the murderous intentions of his uncle, played by Robert De Niro, represents a twisted narrative of love and betrayal.

DiCaprio described the film as focusing on “a very twisted but truthful love story.” He emphasized the commitment to telling a story grounded in fact, a departure from Hollywood’s often flawed depictions of American Indians. The film initially centered around the FBI investigators working on the case but shifted its focus to more closely involve the Osage perspective.

Director Martin Scorsese made a concerted effort to ensure the film was guided by the Osage both in front of and behind the camera. This approach aimed to create a more authentic and respectful representation of the Osage people’s experiences and history.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” stands as a significant work in the portrayal of Native American history in cinema. It not only brings to the forefront a painful chapter of the Osage community but does so with a commitment to truthfulness and sensitivity, offering a platform for representation and dialogue.

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