"Killers of the Flower Moon" a Movie Like No Other
This past weekend I was finally able to go see the movie "Killers of the Flower Moon." In a world where history has often been rewritten and sugarcoated, it is refreshing to see a film that dares to confront uncomfortable truths. "Killers of the Flower Moon," directed by Martin Scorsese and based on David Grann's non-fiction book of the same name, is a harrowing cinematic journey that unravels the dark chapter of Native Osage history.
Unlike past Hollywood movies that perpetrate negative stereotypes of Native Americans or have a white savior narrative, this narrative does not shy away from the painful realities faced by the Osage people.
Set in the early 1920s, the film dives into the sinister conspiracy that plagued the Osage Nation. At the time, the Osage people were among the wealthiest individuals per capita in the world due to the oil-rich lands they lived on. However, their sudden wealth ignited the greed of many, leading to a series of murders that would come to be known as the Osage Indian murder investigations. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes were often close relatives, friends, and even spouses of the victims, all driven by the allure of Osage's wealth.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Killers of the Flower Moon" is its unflinching portrayal of the dire consequences faced by the Osage community. The film captures the collective trauma, fear, and suspicion that infiltrated their lives as they grappled with the atrocities committed against them. The sinister nature of the crimes and the shocking betrayal within families and communities are presented with brutal honesty, shattering the romanticized image of the American frontier. In an interview with CNN former Osage Nation Chief Jim Gray revealed his concerns about Scorsese's movie: “I was worried we were going to get exploited again — not so much in losing resources and our land, but in the telling of the story of how we lost our resources and land."
"Killers of the Flower Moon" highlights the importance of acknowledging and learning from the painful history of marginalized communities, in this case, the Native Osage people. This objective approach to storytelling allows viewers to grasp the deep scars left behind by the systematic exploitation and violence inflicted on the Osage Nation.
In a world where Indigenous history is often brushed aside, "Killers of the Flower Moon" stands as proof of the power of cinema in unearthing uncomfortable truths. It serves as a reminder that history is not always glorious, but it is essential to confront its darkest moments to heal and ensure that these injustices are never repeated.
The film forces us to think of not only the crimes committed against the Osage but also the broader implications of Native communities and the pressing need for justice, recognition, and reconciliation. As I watched "Killers of the Flower Moon," I was reminded of the importance of remembering and honoring the stories of those who have been silenced for far too long.
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