Killers of the Flower Moon: A Missed Opportunity to Truly Represent the Osage Perspective

In the realm of American cinema, few films have garnered as much attention and anticipation as Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Based on the real-life 1920s murders of Osage members after the discovery of oil on their Oklahoma land, the film promised to shed light on a dark chapter of American history. However, despite the involvement of many members of the Osage Nation tribe in the production, the final product has left some feeling that the actual Osage perspective was overshadowed.

Christopher Cote, an Osage language consultant for the film, expressed his complicated feelings after watching it. He had hoped the film would focus on the perspective of Mollie, played by Lily Gladstone, and her family’s harrowing experiences. Instead, the narrative romanticizes the role of Ernest Burkhart, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. (And even now being overshadowed by Brendan Fraser’s surprise cameo!)

Cote pointed out that the film gives Burkhart a conscience and suggests a love story, which starkly contrasts the real-life events where Burkhart conspired to murder an entire family. Such a portrayal is not just a deviation from the truth; it’s a disservice to the memory of the Osage victims.

Cote’s sentiments resonate with many in the Native American community. In its attempt to appeal to a broader audience, the film has missed the mark in representing the Osage perspective. As Cote rightly points out, “This film isn’t made for an Osage audience; it was made for everybody, not Osage.” While films need to be accessible to a broad audience, it’s equally crucial that they do not dilute or misrepresent the essence of the story they are trying to tell.

The movie has evoked a spectrum of emotions within the community. The film’s portrayal of events and characters raises a crucial question: How long will we tolerate misrepresentations and oversimplifications of our history and culture? For NASP, we say this movie joins Dances with Wolves, Hostiles, The Lone Ranger, News of the World, most Stephen King movie adaptations, and The Revenant.  

Devery Jacobs from “Reservation Dogs” calls out “Killers of the Flower Moon” for its limited portrayal of Osage characters and the emphasis on their suffering. She advocates for depicting the broader, more positive aspects of Indigenous life beyond trauma.

As Tribal Citizens, we must continue sharing our perspectives, views, and lenses. Our stories, history, and experiences deserve to be told authentically and respectfully. We must not let mainstream cinema dictate our Indigenous narrative. Instead, we should seize every opportunity to be the storytellers of our own tales, ensuring that our voices are heard, our truths are told, and our legacy is preserved.

While “Killers of the Flower Moon” may have brought attention to a significant event in Osage history – and energy freedom, it also reminds us of the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Let us continue championing our stories, ensuring they are told with the respect, accuracy, and depth they deserve.

Last warning: There are owls in this movie!