‘Hollywood doesn’t change overnight’: Indigenous viewers on Killers of the Flower Moon – The Guardian
Art et pouvoir, Diversité et inclusion, Faire société, Fictions et réalités, Le passé dans le présent, Native Americans, Représentations
Published in November 2023 by The Guardian
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Brief Overview
“Killers of the Flower Moon,” directed by Martin Scorsese and based on David Grann’s book, has sparked varied responses among Native American audiences. Despite efforts to authentically portray Osage history and involve Indigenous actors, the film faces criticism for its narrative focus on white characters and lack of historical context.
Highlights:
- Mixed Reactions Among Native Communities:
- Despite its star-studded cast and significant budget, “Killers of the Flower Moon” has generated mixed feelings among Native American viewers.
- Criticisms include the foregrounding of white characters and the film’s graphic violence without sufficient historical context.
- Celebration and Critique:
- Indigenous viewers appreciate the film’s effort to highlight Osage history and the presence of Indigenous actors.
- However, there are concerns about the narrative centering on white characters, overshadowing Indigenous perspectives like Mollie Burkhart’s role.
- A Call for Deeper Context:
- Critics argue that the film should provide more context on federal policies that enabled the exploitation of Native lands, such as allotment and headrights manipulation.
- While the film accurately portrays cultural details and involves Osage community members in production, there’s a demand for more nuanced storytelling and Native representation.
- Reflections and Future Directions:
- Indigenous critics emphasize the significance of films like “Killers of the Flower Moon” in raising awareness of historical injustices.
- They highlight the importance of Native storytellers leading narratives to accurately portray the complexities of Native history and experiences in future Hollywood productions.
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