In a recent interview with Vulture, Lily Gladstone, known for her roles in “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Reservation Dogs,” shared her candid thoughts about the television series “Yellowstone.” As a working actor, Gladstone acknowledged that she often doesn’t have the freedom to choose her projects, especially when opportunities are scarce.
Throughout her career, Gladstone has worked on projects created by both Native and non-Native writers. However, one non-Native project that she has strong opinions on is Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone,” a series that portrays Native Americans. She described the show as “delusional” and “deplorable,” although she also mentioned that she doesn’t mean to offend the Native talent involved in the production. Gladstone revealed that she had auditioned for the show multiple times, reflecting the limited options available to Native actors.
Gladstone also emphasized the importance of considering which stories of Indigenous people get told and who gets to tell them. She acknowledged that it can be a “double-edged sword,” expressing the need for more Native writers to have the opportunity to share their own stories while also emphasizing the significance of non-Native creators paying attention to Native history, as American history is incomplete without the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives.
One project in which Gladstone found the portrayal of Native Americans to be more accurate is “Killers of the Flower Moon,” based on the book by Eric Roth. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, is set in the 1920s and revolves around a series of murders within the Osage Native American tribe after oil is discovered on their land. Gladstone praised the film for not being a “white-savior story” but rather focusing on the tribe’s perspective and their call for assistance. The movie also stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, Brendan Fraser, John Lithgow, and Tantoo Cardinal.
Gladstone shared that Scorsese’s willingness to engage with the Osage community during a dinner in Oklahoma, where some of the historical events took place, demonstrated his genuine interest in hearing their perspectives. She also mentioned that her collaboration with Scorsese on the film required her to bring her own insights and ideas to the table, rather than simply being given space to participate.
In the same interview, Scorsese praised Gladstone for her exceptional presence and trust in simplicity, noting that she captivates audiences with her performance. This recognition from an Oscar-nominated director highlights the talent and skill that Gladstone brings to her roles.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is set to hit theaters on October 20, providing audiences with a portrayal of a lesser-known chapter of Native American history. By shedding light on the Osage tribe’s experiences and the crimes committed against them, the film contributes to a more accurate and inclusive understanding of American history.
In conclusion, Lily Gladstone’s candid remarks about “Yellowstone” reveal the limitations and frustrations that Native actors often face in the industry. However, she also emphasizes the importance of authentic and respectful portrayals of Native Americans, as demonstrated in her work on “Killers of the Flower Moon.” As an advocate for Native storytelling and representation, Gladstone’s insights and talent continue to shape the landscape of the entertainment industry.