One of the most fascinating things about the public reception to Martin Scorsese’s latest, Killers Of The Flower Moon, has been the ways the people involved in making it—most notably, the Native people who Scorsese cast, consulted with, and otherwise worked with on the movie—have responded to the film. In defiance of typical Hollywood tendencies, most of those comments have not been unanimous and glowing words of praise, with most members of the Osage Nation who worked on the movie offering a far more measured critique. (Notably, language consultant Christopher Cote, who praised Scorsese for much of his work, while still pointing out that its story could have been better served by focusing on the perspective of the Native characters whose deaths it depicts, saying that, “I think it would take an Osage to do that.”)
Now, the woman who’s the actual heart of Scorsese’s epic has put forth a few thoughts of her own, with star Lily Gladstone speaking out about the film on social media this week. Notably, Gladstone—who plays Mollie Kyle, an Osage woman who becomes the victim of a complicated, brutal plot in the historical epic—didn’t focus her statement on her own feelings, but those of others. Writing on Twitter, Gladstone expressed that “The most pressing thing I’ve wanted to say about Killers Of The Flower Moon, especially to Native Women & Youth: See it when and only if you feel ready, and see it with people you feel safe with. You’ll likely have a lot of generational grief to process. You’re not alone.”
Gladstone went on to share a list of resources for people struggling to process the feelings brought up by the film, saying, “If you need to unpack and are without community to do so, there are safe, culturally specific and anonymous 24/7 resources available.”
She ended with some of her own feelings on the movie, writing,
I’m so proud of the film we made with so many Osage Nation leaders, artists, educators & community advocates. Never forget this story is recent history with a lasting impact on breathing, feeling people today. It belongs to them, & we all have so much to learn from it. In this process of learning about the horrific Reign of Terror, remember that the Osage remain. Native People remain. And this story is a lot to take in. Be kind, and please be gentle with each other. There is much to process, and much to heal.
You can read the full text of Gladstone’s message below
The most pressing thing I’ve wanted to say about Killers Of The Flower Moon, especially to Native Women & Youth: See it when and only if you feel ready, and see it with people you feel safe with. You’ll likely have a lot of generational grief to process. You’re not alone.
If you need to unpack and are without [a] community to do so, there are safe, culturally specific and anonymous 24/7 resources available.
@weRnative If you need advice from a trained counselor, text “NATIVE” to 741741. You will be immediately connected with a crisis counselor. All support and resources shared will remain confidential. Plus, there is no cost to you.
StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 safe, confidential & anonymous domestic/sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy. 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) @strongheartsdv
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
988 The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 988.
These organizations also provide incredible resources and support. The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center @niwrc
Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women @CSVANW
Tribal Health: Reaching out InVolves Everyone (THRIVE) for North Portland Indian Health Board @NPAIHB
I’m so proud of the film we made with so many Osage Nation leaders, artists, educators & community advocates. Never forget this story is recent history with a lasting impact on breathing, feeling people today. It belongs to them, & we all have so much to learn from it.
In this process of learning about the horrific Reign of Terror, remember that the Osage remain. Native People remain. And this story is a lot to take in. Be kind, and please be gentle with each other. There is much to process, and much to heal.
With love, Lily
[via THR]
