October 13 2024
10:42 PMNewsletterSubscribeSign inMy AccountSign out
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’: Echoes of Osage to Gaza
How Scorsese’s new film holds up a mirror to the silenced chapters of the US history to Israel’s war on Gaza and the ongoing 75-plus-year occupation.
Israa Radaydeh, Jordan News
last updated:
Nov 23,2023
+
-
Films
have a unique ability to evoke emotions, whether through cinematography, music,
or storytelling. Reviewing films can be likened to tasting food—preferences
differ, but a connection to real-life experiences is always possible.اضافة اعلان
In
my experience, the powerful convergence of cinematic revelation and
geopolitical strife in Martin Scorsese’s "Killers of the Flower Moon"
mirrors the grim reality of Israel's war on Gaza. Since October 7, over 13,000
Palestinians, mostly women and children, have lost their lives. Labeled as
genocide, this conflict involves complicit partners, with the United States and
parts of Europe supporting Israel's claimed right to self-defense.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" goes beyond its historical narrative,
acting as a poignant mirror reflecting parallels between successive killings,
racist colonial practices, and the silenced chapters of the United States
history.
Scorsese's
lens delves into the bloody annals of American history, exposing the genocide
against indigenous people. Astonishingly, contemporary American politicians not
only endorse Israel's actions but also justify atrocities committed by the
Zionist occupation army. The film scrutinizes historical crimes and
displacement, eerily resonating with the ongoing occupation that has persisted
for over 75 years.
At
its core, the film portrays the extermination of the Osage people, land
usurpation, and wealth plundering—a chilling blueprint for the systematic
liquidation of indigenous peoples for wealth. The film's underlying theme draws
parallels between the historical actions of European settlers and the ongoing
Israeli occupation, highlighting the inhumane mentality that has persisted
since Israel's inception.
As
"Killers of the Flower Moon" unfolds against historical injustice, it
compels audiences to confront parallels between past atrocities and present-day
conflicts. This review aims to explore connections between Scorsese's cinematic
portrayal and contemporary warfare, urging a critical examination of recurring
patterns of violence, displacement, and the relentless quest for justice.
"Killers
of the Flower Moon," directed by Martin Scorsese, immerses audiences in
the Osage Murders of the 1920s in Oklahoma. The film, featuring stellar
performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro, weaves
a tale of historical truth and human tragedy, earning acclaim for its direction
and cinematography.
Scorsese,
a maestro of nuanced storytelling, selects a pivotal historical period to
unveil a stark reality about white crimes against Native Americans. The film
resonates beyond its historical context, echoing the atrocities faced by
Palestinians in Gaza. The director, in his pursuit of truth, mirrors the
organized crime-like tactics of exploitation against the marginalized—whether
it be the Osage or the Palestinians.
Set
against the backdrop of oil discoveries, the film parallels the vulnerability
of the Osage to exploitation, reflecting historical aggression faced by
Palestinians in Gaza. Romance in the Osage story mirrors historical events in
Gaza, where external forces exploit the land and its people.
Robert
De Niro's portrayal of William Hill draws parallels to Zionist aggression in
Gaza, where exploitation and brutality are central themes. DiCaprio's depiction
embodies cruelty and danger, while Gladstone's Molly portrays strength and
resilience, echoing resistance in Gaza. The film's deliberate use of slow
scenes underlines the tragic nature of the Osage story, emphasizing the
importance of cultural traditions and heritage—a narrative tactic resonating
with the struggle in Gaza, where cultural identity becomes a cornerstone in
resisting external forces.
"Killers
of the Flower Moon" transcends its role as a historical drama, serving as
a potent social commentary on exploitation, violence, and the pursuit of
justice for marginalized communities. The parallels drawn between the Osage
narrative and Israeli actions in Gaza compel viewers to introspect on the
cyclical theme of historical injustice and its enduring consequences.
In
crafting "Killers of the Flower Moon," Scorsese not only provides a
cinematic window into the past but also holds up a mirror reflecting the
persistent struggles against oppression. The film's brilliance lies not just in
its historical accuracy but in its ability to ignite dialogue about the
recurring patterns of exploitation and the universal quest for justice. By
intertwining the narrative threads of the Osage and the Palestinians, Scorsese
beckons audiences to confront the echoes of oppression across time and
geography. At its core, the film becomes a call to action—a plea for empathy,
understanding, and a collective commitment to break free from the shackles of
historical injustices.