Exploring Sterlin Harjo’s Dive into Noir with “The Lowdown”
Fans of FX’s celebrated series “Reservation Dogs” have long appreciated the cinematic flair of its creator, Sterlin Harjo. Each episode paid homage to various film genres, culminating in a series finale echoing Robert Altman’s iconic film “Nashville.” Hence, it comes as no surprise that Harjo chose to explore yet another cinematic style for his new project: Noir.
Set to premiere on September 23 on FX, “The Lowdown” stars Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon, a citizen journalist who boldly identifies as a “truthstorian” while navigating the gritty undercurrents of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
A Love for Noir
“I just am such a fan of noir,” expresses Harjo, who serves as executive producer, writer, and director for “The Lowdown.” “I’ve always believed that setting a noir in Tulsa would offer a fresh perspective. While we’ve seen so many noir tales unfold in Los Angeles, the less explored narratives from the heart of America, especially surrounding Tulsa and its conspiracies, are ripe for discovery.”
Growing up in the region and belonging to the Muscogee Creek tribe, Harjo’s connection to Tulsa is deeply personal, much like his involvement with “Reservation Dogs.” He openly acknowledges Tulsa’s complex history, particularly reflecting on the horrific 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, during which white mobs attacked Black residents, a narrative made more widespread recently due to advocacy and shows like “Watchmen.” This significant event is woven into the fabric of “The Lowdown.”
Confronting the Past for Healing
“Every location in America carries a shadowy history,” Harjo states. “There’s been a growing awareness of the truths surrounding Tulsa’s past, especially regarding the race massacre. Acknowledging this history allows for healing and unity within the community. Progress is slow, but it’s visible.”
He continues, “Tulsa’s narrative reflects the darkness shared across the U.S., beginning with its origins as Indian Territory. My tribe, along with many others, endured the harsh journey on the Trail of Tears. Yet, this history is also a testament to resilience; tribes have rebuilt and are thriving today. While we delve into the darkness, there’s also a flourishing narrative of survival in Oklahoma and in Tulsa.”
Documentary Roots and Inspirations
In the early 2010s, while establishing himself as an independent filmmaker, Harjo collaborated with “This Land Press”, a local investigative journal that helped shed light on Tulsa’s truths and its potential future. “They allowed me the freedom to create documentaries focusing on anything I wished,” Harjo recalls. “We were committed to showcasing both the positive and negative aspects of our city.”
It was there he met Lee Roy Chapman, whose life experiences inspired Hawke’s character in “The Lowdown.” “I participated in a project with him called ‘Tulsa Public Secrets’ where I rode alongside him in a vehicle. He was a historian and journalist, unwavering in his pursuit of often ignored truths. His influence on me was profound,” Harjo reflects.
Upon Chapman’s passing in 2015, Harjo considered making a biopic about him but eventually prioritized “Reservation Dogs.” After the show’s conclusion, he revisited the noir concept and realized he could encapsulate Chapman’s essence within “The Lowdown.”
Friendship and Collaboration
Bringing Hawke on board as both executive producer and lead was a seamless decision; the two share a longstanding friendship. “We’ve collaborated before, and he even guest starred in the final season of ‘Rez Dogs,’” explains Harjo. However, mindful of their personal ties, he preferred a nuanced approach to invite Hawke into the project.
“I wanted to preserve our friendship, so I framed the request as seeking feedback on my script,” Harjo adds. “To my surprise, he reacted with, ‘Why am I not playing this role?’ From there, I knew we were set!”
Investigating the Underbelly of Tulsa
In “The Lowdown,” Hawke’s Lee Raybon finds himself diving deep into the influential Washberg family, including a gubernatorial candidate (Kyle MacLachlan) and the mystery surrounding his brother’s suicide (Tim Blake Nelson). The cast also features Jeanne Tripplehorn as the widow and Kaniehtiio Horn and Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Lee’s ex and daughter, respectively.
“The caliber of talent involved speaks volumes,” Harjo reflects. “Ethan’s presence and support, coupled with the imaginative engagement from other actors, largely drew people in, inspired by the impact of ‘Reservation Dogs.’”
Thematic Depth and Future Prospects
The narrative extends beyond traditional noir themes to examine familial relationships, especially Lee’s struggle to balance his demanding career with being a dedicated father. Harjo resonates with this theme personally: “During my early days with This Land Press, I grappled with maintaining my family dynamics while pursuing my passion as an independent filmmaker.”
Additionally, Harjo emphasizes the critical role of journalism in its current state. “We need defenders of truth now more than ever; our children’s futures depend on it,” he asserts.
Harjo envisions “The Lowdown” evolving with forthcoming seasons, each focusing on a unique investigation. Beyond that, he’s developing new projects, including a comedic Western series and adapting a classic American literary piece into a television series. A new feature in collaboration with Searchlight is also on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Harjo expresses a desire to revisit the “Reservation Dogs” universe with a potential film project. “While it’s on the backburner for now, I’m eager to explore it further. I just want to ensure I get it right!”
Fans of “Reservation Dogs” will undoubtedly encounter Easter eggs throughout “The Lowdown,” starting with a nod in the opening scene where Hawke crosses paths with Paulina Alexis, a standout star from “Rez Dogs.”
“That moment was significant,” Harjo explains. “When filming began, Paulina visited me on set, urging me to feature her. It was a perfect chance to give a nod to ‘Rez Dogs,’ a show that genuinely elevated my journey, and I am proud to honor it.”
Catch the thrilling premiere of “The Lowdown” on Tuesday, September 23, at 9 p.m. ET on FX. Streaming will be available the following day on Hulu.
