What Now: This Isn't Hollywood

Erik Charlson is Oklahoma Today's spring intern. Each week, in What Now, he'll take us on his journey learning about Oklahoma and navigating an uncertain future.

As a kid—like most kids, really—I loved watching movies. Intense dramas, pointless comedies, and everything in-between; I loved it all. But as an Oklahoman, I always felt a disconnect between my world and theirs. Movies were never being made near me. Hollywood was a world away.

Cut to 2021.

One of my recent blogs dealt with Minari, a gorgeous movie filmed near Tulsa. There is an odd rush of emotions from seeing something so beautiful and poignant and knowing it was made here, in my world. Now there is a new movie with even bigger names involved being filmed in Oklahoma. Set in 1920s Oklahoma, Killers of the Flower Moon is the story of the Osage Nation Native American tribe discovering oil on their land. What ensues is a string of mysterious murders linked to the wealth of oil.

Director Martin Scorsese is at the helm with acclaimed screenwriter Eric Roth adapting David Grann’s best-selling book. We all know what they can do, and with this story there is so much to work with. The movie is loaded with acting talent. Scorsese once again is teaming up with Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, who have always given great performances in his previous films such as Taxi Driver and The Departed. He also has Jesse Plemons, who you may know from Breaking Bad or The Irishman, playing a large role. I have noticed that once Scorsese finds someone he likes, he tends to keep them around for future endeavors.

It is exciting to me that some Oklahoma history will get to shine on a very large stage. Even though it may not be the prettiest or most attractive part of Oklahoma history, it is part of our background. I also believe the movie will highlight the strength and courage of the Osage Nation.

This is one I intend to see in theaters for the best possible experience. Scorsese rarely, if ever, fails to orchestrate a gripping and character driven film, and this Oklahoma story should be no different.

Screenwriter Eric Roth also seems to agree. Here is what he had to say about the film in an interview with Collider, “I know Marty's trying to make a movie that's probably the last Western that would be made like this, and yet, with this incredible social document underneath it, and the violence and the environment. I think it'll be like nothing we've ever seen, in a way. And so this one is, to me, one for the ages."

Of course the writer of the film itself could be slightly biased, but his words only get me more pumped for this western mystery thriller. The movie is not slated to be released until the end of the year however, so I should probably stop thinking about it.

Written By

Erik Charlson