Dark Secrets Unearthed: Oklahoma’s Forgotten History of Tragedies Sends Shockwaves
Oklahoma, a state known for its celebratory play, song, and Hollywood musical, has a dark and forgotten history that has recently come to light. It is difficult to imagine that within its borders, two of the most horrific events of 20th-century American history occurred in the 1920s.
The first tragedy is the Tulsa Massacre of 1921, a horrifying event where white mobs killed around 300 Black residents of a prosperous community known as the Black Wall Street. The second tragedy, known as the Osage Murders, involves an estimated two dozen Osage Indians who died under suspicious circumstances, victims of a plot to gain control of the valuable oil payments flowing to the Native-American residents of the Osage Nation Reservation.
Director Martin Scorsese has taken on the task of telling the story of the Osage Murders in his latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon, based on the nonfiction book by David Grann. The film portrays the events through the eyes of three central characters.
Robert De Niro plays William K. Hale, the manipulative and charming King of the Osage Hills who orchestrates the murders from behind the scenes. Hale manages to maintain an air of innocence and philanthropy, despite his true nature being known to some tribal elders who are ready for vengeance.
Lily Gladstone portrays Mollie, a young Osage woman who becomes an unwitting obstacle to Hale’s plans. Despite her ignorance of the plot, Mollie’s suspicions bridge the gap between Hale and the Osage community. She is both a victim and a crucial link in the story.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhardt, Hale’s nephew, who falls under his uncle’s influence while also falling in love with Mollie. Burkhardt’s character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative as he is fond of Mollie yet complicit in the murders of her sisters. His conflicting emotions and actions raise questions about his true nature.
While Ernest Burkhardt may seem like a nice person, he is not beyond using racism to further his own interests. Even as he witnesses his wife’s decline, potentially caused by poison he administers, he maintains his innocence. This complexity and confusion make Burkhardt a striking character, possibly serving as a metaphor for those who blindly follow leaders without taking responsibility for their actions.
Although the film could be seen as an allegory for the Trump phenomenon, it is not the sole focus. Killers of the Flower Moon succeeds as a tragic love story between Ernest and Mollie, as well as a depiction of the early years of the FBI. The film captures the personal valence of the narrative through its close and intimate settings against the backdrop of the region’s barren hills and plains.
As an exploration of the events that occurred on the Osage reservation, the film falls short in fully addressing the impact of white racism. Instead, it delves into the psychology and personal conflicts of its characters. This approach glosses over the importance of historical context and the systemic forces at play.
Killers of the Flower Moon presents a compelling narrative and is skillfully crafted by a master storyteller. However, certain distracting elements, such as unnecessary cameos, take away from the overall experience.
The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, and Jesse Plemons, is currently only available in theaters. As Apple financed the film, future streaming will be exclusively on AppleTV.
In conclusion, Killers of the Flower Moon sheds light on the dark secrets and forgotten tragedies of Oklahoma’s history. While it excels as a tragic love story and showcases the early years of the FBI, it falls short in fully addressing the impact of white racism. Nevertheless, the film remains an engaging and thought-provoking piece by renowned director Martin Scorsese.
