The Analysis Power of the Main Character of Film Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Fani Tampang Bimbin Universitas Fajar, Makassar, Indonesia
  • Bahar Bahar Universitas Fajar, Makassar, Indonesia
  • Fitriana Fitriana Universitas Fajar, Makassar, Indonesia
Keywords: Power, Coercion, Manipulation, Killers of the Flower Moon, Discourse Analysis

Abstract

This study analyses the concept of power as portrayed by the main characters of Killers of the Flower Moon, focusing on how different types of power affect the dynamics of the story. Using French and Raven’s (1959) theory of power as an analytical framework, this study examines coercive power, referential power, and expert power as used by William Hale to manipulate and control the Osage people. This study uses qualitative descriptive methods, analyzing dialogue and scenes from the film script to identify patterns of power dynamics. The findings reveal that coercive power is used through intimidation, threats, and physical violence to enforce control, while referential power allows Hale to maintain his deceptive influence over the Osage people. In addition, expert power is abused by doctors and legal authorities to justify and cover up crimes against the Osage people. This analysis highlights the destructive effects of power when exploited for personal gain and shows how language and manipulation play a significant role in maintaining authority. Based on the results of the study, there are 30 total powers in the film, coercive power (10), referential power (10), and expert power (10). Ultimately, this study contributes to the understanding of power relations in media and literature, by emphasizing the relationship between social control, language, and oppression in historical narratives.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Acarlı, D. S. (2023). An Eye for Physics. The American Biology Teacher, 85(7), 369–372. https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2023.85.7.369

Chunqiu, P., & Rathakrishnan, B. A. (2023). Analyzing Dominance: Revealing the Interplay of Power and Knowledge in the Field of Social Psychology Beyond Traditional Narratives. International Journal of Emerging Issues in Social Science, Arts, and Humanities, 02(01), 79–88. https://doi.org/10.60072/ijeissah.2023.v2i01.009

Hay, C. (1997). DDiivviiddeedd bbyy aa CCoommmmoonn LLaanngguuaaggee: PPoolliittiiccaall TThheeoorryy aanndd tthhee CCoonncceepptt ooff PPoowweerr.

Hung, A. H.-C. (2024). The Role of Boundary-Spanners in the Control of a Chinese Garment Factory in Myanmar. Work, Employment and Society, 38(5), 1333–1356. https://doi.org/10.1177/09500170231188945

Malik, G., Sagikyzy, A., Tattibek, N., Bissembayeva, Z., & Nessipkaliyev, D. (2023). Three Variants of the Concept of Power: A Comparative Analysis through Theological inquiry. Pharos Journal of Theology, 104(5). https://doi.org/10.46222/pharosjot.104.515

Maner, J. K., Kaschak, M. P., & Jones, J. L. (2010). Social Power and the Advent of Action. Social Cognition, 28(1), 122–132. https://doi.org/10.1521/soco.2010.28.1.122

Moser, A., & Korstjens, I. (2018). Series: Practical guidance to qualitative research. Part 3: Sampling, data collection and analysis. European Journal of General Practice, 24(1), 9–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/13814788.2017.1375091

Muiruri, Z. K. (2023). Organizational Politics and Employees Performance: A Theoretical Review. Open Journal of Business and Management, 11(04), 1387–1401. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojbm.2023.114076

Overall, N. C., Maner, J. K., Hammond, M. D., Cross, E. J., Chang, V. T., Low, R. S. T., Girme, Y. U., Jayamaha, S. D., Reid, C. J., & Sasaki, E. (2023). Actor and partner power are distinct and have differential effects on social behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 124(2), 311–343. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000398

Rahmawati, E., & Dermawan, M. K. (2023). Vacuum effect of wrongful criminal justice process: The case of Indonesia. Indonesian Journal of Social Science Research, 4(2), 182–227. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijssr.04.02.10

Raven, B. H., Schwarzwald, J., & Koslowsky, M. (1998). Conceptualizing and Measuring a Power/Interaction Model of Interpersonal Influence1. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 28(4), 307–332. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1998.tb01708.x

Twali, M. S., Overstreet, N. M., & Vollhardt, J. R. (2023). Lay theories about collective power in the context of racial oppression. European Journal of Social Psychology, 53(6), 1037–1054. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2951

Wisnumurti, A. A. G. O. (2024). LOCAL POLITICAL DYNAMICS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION DIRECTLY CONDUCTED TO VOTE FOR DISTRICT HEADS (PILKADA) IN BADUNG REGENCY IN 2005. E-Journal of Cultural Studies, 17(1), 62. https://doi.org/10.24843/cs.2024.v17.i01.p05

Published
2025-06-03
How to Cite
Bimbin, F. T., Bahar, B., & Fitriana, F. (2025). The Analysis Power of the Main Character of Film Killers of the Flower Moon. DEIKTIS: Jurnal Pendidikan, Bahasa Dan Sastra, 5(2), 935-940. Retrieved from https://www.dmi-journals.org/deiktis/article/view/1423
Section
Articles