Sterlin Harjo Discusses His New FX Series 'The Lowdown'

Genesis of 'The Lowdown'

• 💡 The FX series 'The Lowdown' is created by Sterlin Harjo, featuring Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon, a rare book seller and journalist investigating corruption in Tulsa.
• 🎯 The character of Lee Raybon is inspired by a friend of Harjo's who was a dedicated truth-seeker, embodying a pursuit of truth at any cost.
• 🧠 Harjo found inspiration in this friend's dedication during a personal period of financial struggle, reinforcing the importance of pursuing truthful work.

Character and Themes

• 🎭 Lee Raybon is portrayed as a complex character, driven by righteousness and a deep belief in truth, which earns him respect despite his unconventional methods.
• 💖 His relationship with his 13-year-old daughter is central, as he aims to inspire her by fighting for noble causes and contributing to a better future.
• ⚖️ The series explores the balance between fighting for truth and the personal risks involved, reflecting a broader human experience of navigating light and dark.

Tulsa and Community

• 🗺️ The setting of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is crucial, with Harjo aiming to represent its diverse history, including its past as Indian Territory and the collision of cultures.
• 👥 Harjo emphasizes telling stories about a community, not just a single protagonist, a philosophy carried over from his work on 'Reservation Dogs'.
• 🔍 The series delves into the genre of noir, or 'neon noir,' aiming to capture the essence of Tulsa's past and present.

Influences and Collaborations

• 🎬 Harjo collaborated closely with Ethan Hawke, with whom he shared a pre-existing friendship and a mutual interest in art, music, and film.
• 🤝 The series features many Oklahoman and Tulsan actors, including Tim Blake Nelson and Killer Mike, bringing a local flavor to the production.
• 🎶 Harjo highlights the importance of "the art of the hang" – observing characters' behavior when not under direct scrutiny – a style influenced by filmmakers like Jim Jarmish and Robert Altman.

Historical Context and Truth

• 📜 Harjo stresses the importance of confronting historical truths, citing the Tulsa race massacre as an example of a past event that was suppressed but is vital for healing.
• 🩹 He believes that acknowledging and facing historical truths, both the good and the bad, is essential for societal healing and growth.
• 🌟 The series, like Harjo's other work, aims to present a holistic view, learning from both the light and dark aspects of life and history.

Filmmaking Philosophy

• 🎥 Harjo acknowledges his influences, particularly from 1970s cinema like Robert Altman's 'The Long Goodbye,' aiming to build upon established genres rather than reinvent them.
• 🗣️ He supports FX's decision for a weekly release schedule, believing it fosters ongoing conversation and engagement with the series.
• 🌟 Harjo credits Robert Redford and the Sundance Institute for championing independent and indigenous voices in cinema, significantly impacting his career.