In 2021 I was cast in KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. Based on the book by David Grann, this true story tells the story of the brutal murders behind white settlers’ attempted dispossession of an Osage family’s Oklahoma lands, under which lay some of the world’s most valuable oil fields.
After weeks of auditions, being cast by band leader Rayna Gellert, multiple fittings and rehearsals, I found myself portraying a banjo player in a band for the wedding party of Mollie (Gladstone) and Ernest (DiCaprio). I played an 1890s S. S. Stewart “Champion” five-string, which was provided by the American Banjo Museum. Getting to work with the phenomenal Rayna Gellert and Kieran Kane was a delight- as well as other band members, Old Time fiddler and Osage descendent, Nokosee Fields and Elija Ragsdale who played mandolin.
Band from left to right: Nokosee Fields- fiddle, Rayna Gellert – lead fiddle, Kieran Kane – guitar, Lucas – banjo, Eli Ragsdale
It was surreal working on a film this large. Years ago I had worked in Los Angeles and been around big names but Martin Scorsese is another level. He was gracious, encouraging and constantly creating. We spent many hours in that house set. One true highlight was shaking Scorsese’s hand and him saying, “Banjo guy! Yes!” and then, “I’m not going to say ‘Action’ or ‘Cut,’ I’m just going to let you all do what you do. I remember thinking- “Oh but I WANT you to say ‘Action’ and ‘Cut!’ ” I wanted him to direct me!
Sitting on the porch we were right in front of the doorway into the house, where the cast would rest while outside shots were being worked on, I found myself helping the wonderfully talented Lily Gladstone up and down the steps each time she took a break. Gladstone was wearing her wedding gown and, as the skirt went straight down to her ankles, she was unable to walk forward up the porch steps. She could, however, walk backwards up the stairs so I would hold her hand and guide her all while not dropping a vintage banjo!
Seeing the final film was an incredible experience and as the story got closer to my scene, thoughts of ‘Did I make the cut’ dissolved, as they should. This story of the Osage Tribe was something I was never taught in schools. I walked out of the theater moved, heartbroken and grateful to have been a small footnote in telling this devastatingly important story. I hope you’ll see it, ask questions and learn about this historical tragedy.
Update: you can now see the banjos used on screen! Currently featured at the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma city!
