Scorsese Killers of the Flower Moon: Martin Scorsese, a director known for his gritty crime dramas and charismatic antiheroes, has taken a departure from his customary tropes in his latest epic, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Unlike his previous works, this film delves into a dark chapter of American history, shedding light on the gruesome murders of the Osage people in the 1920s, following the discovery of oil on their land.
In this film, Leonardo DiCaprio delivers what might be his finest performance as Ernest Burkhart, a war veteran returning to Osage County, Oklahoma, in 1920 with hopes of finding work through his uncle, William Hale, portrayed by Robert De Niro. Hale is a wealthy cattleman with his sights set on the Osage fortune. He hatches a sinister plan to marry off Ernest to a wealthy Osage oil family, intending to systematically murder them and seize their inheritances.
Scorsese’s portrayal of Hale and the county’s white Americans reveals a stark contrast to his previous depictions of mob families. This time, he abstains from the upbeat, pulsating rhythms that fueled the first halves of his gangster classics.
In “Killers of the Flower Moon,” we witness a morally bankrupt, dim-witted Ernest Burkhart, eager to earn his influential Uncle Bill’s approval. It’s a stark departure from the charismatic gangsters of Scorsese’s past. Ernest courts Mollie, an Osage oil family heiress, under his uncle’s manipulation, declaring, “I do love that money almost as much as my wife.”
Mollie, a central character in this stirring epic, becomes entangled with Ernest, captivated by his naive demeanor. Her complex and tormented character ranks among the most memorable in Scorsese’s cinematic canon.
As members of Mollie’s family are mysteriously murdered one by one, suspicion looms, but no police investigation ensues. It isn’t until Mollie, afflicted with diabetes, pleads for the federal government’s help in Washington, D.C., that Tom White, representing the nascent FBI, arrives in Osage County to unravel the sinister plot.
The score, composed by Robbie Robertson, deviates from Scorsese’s usual classic rock hits. It employs a thumping drumbeat and vibrating strings to accentuate the tension within the narrative.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a cinematic spectacle, featuring Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro in a sprawling three-and-a-half-hour epic. It’s a bold endeavor that delves into a dark chapter of American history, transporting the audience to 1920s Osage County. Through adept storytelling, Scorsese reveals the sinister underbelly of Osage County and uncovers the wolves hidden beneath the surface.
In this departure from his traditional style, Scorsese paints a haunting and gripping narrative, shedding light on a grim and overlooked part of American history.
Also read: Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’: A Historical Epic with Ambitious Goals
Our Reader’s Queries
Does Scorsese appear in Killers of the Flower Moon?
Scorsese’s immersion into the film sparks a dialogue about the intricate and tense ramifications of his viewpoint and role in the story.
What is the true story of Killers of the Flower Moon?
The Osage people became wealthy from land rich in oil, which led some white men to plot the murders of wealthy Osage individuals. The FBI intervened to investigate the string of murders and discovered a far-reaching conspiracy involving dishonest guardians, judges, lawyers, doctors, and businessmen.
What is the main point of Killers of the Flower Moon?
Taking place in 1920s Oklahoma, the story centers on a string of killings of Osage individuals and their kin in the Osage Nation following the finding of oil on tribal territory.
Is Killers of the Flower Moon on Netflix?
“Killers of the Flower Moon” will be available on AppleTV+ instead of Netflix. Both “The Irishman” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” have a lengthy runtime of over three hours, so you might prefer to watch them in the comfort of your own home.