By CYNTHIA BIDDLECOMB
Los Alamos
“Killers of the Flower Moon”, Martin Scorsese’s latest film, is now showing at SALA. This much anticipated movie version of David Grann’s 2017 book truly is gripping, and it features many familiar actors. It will no doubt be discussed until the awards ceremonies, early next year.
The film deftly handles a horrifying chapter of American history, one which took place in Osage County, Oklahoma, a century ago. Unlike the book, the movie dives right into the action. An Osage woman is mourned. An American soldier returns from war in Europe and lands on his uncle’s doorstep. The uncle suggests he stay and take part in the wealth the area has to offer.
Leonardo di Caprio plays the soldier, Ernest, who begins driving a cab in town. In Osage County, full-blood Osage tribal members own all the land. When forced to leave Missouri, Arkansas, and finally Kansas, the tribe bought this rocky part of Oklahoma. When oil was discovered around the turn of the century, the rush was on to lease lots from the tribe. Oil royalties then were divided quarterly among tribal households. Men otherwise in dire straits flocked to the area for oil jobs, and to make a living off the Osage, who were then the wealthiest people in America.
Robert DeNiro plays Ernest’s uncle, William Hale, who subtly explains to Ernest how things work in Osage County. It becomes obvious to Ernest that white men have been marrying Osage women. The Osage live in big houses and employ white household servants. The Osage buy new cars each year and dress in the latest 1920s fashions in town. At the same time, Prohibition is in force and that has brought a criminal element to the area. The stage is set for trouble.
The central Osage character in this story is Mollie, played by Lily Gladstone. She is a self-assured woman, living in a lovely house with her mother Lizzy (played by veteran actress Tantoo Cardinal). Ernest, waiting for a fare in town, offers a ride to this lovely Osage woman. They become friendly and in time they marry. Ernest truly loves her and the children they later have, but his loyalty to his uncle will lead him to despicable actions. This is DiCaprio at his best, playing a frowning, often confused man discerning his own identity and heart.
One of Mollie’s sisters had recently died of a “wasting sickness.” Then one night her older sister disappears. About the same time, a popular local man is found dead. Over a period of years, there are twenty or more suspicious deaths and obvious murders of Osage members. Cases are investigated by local law enforcement, but nothing ever comes of it. Powerful people in the white community begin overplaying their hand, impatient for the day they might inherit the “head rights” of their Osage relations. Eventually, a nascent Bureau of Investigations comes from Washington D.C. to investigate and uncovers a chillingly murderous conspiracy.
If you are thinking of seeing this film, be aware that Killers of the Flower Moon runs 3 hours and 26 minutes. It is “Rated R for violence, some grisly images, and language.” But it may yet be worth your time to experience this tale of a courageous Osage Nation facing down corruption, greed, and the absence of justice. We owe American history at least that much.