Martin Scorsese has claimed he’s in the twilight of his career, but with consistently beautiful cinematic experiences, I never want him to stop directing. He has become the go-to source when it comes to defending the history of film and reinvigorating low and mid-level budget films. With his prestige, he is able to make anything he wants to and, in turn, tells us the little-known story of the Osage tribe in the early 1900s.
This story begins in the 1920s as the Osage tribe has become incredibly wealthy after an oil boom happens on their land. However, evil men plan to profit from this. In a very gradual plot of greed, these Native Americans are murdered. In this time, a veteran, Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) comes into town and falls right in line with this plot. He soon woos Mollie (Lily Gladstone) who’s in line to inherit a great deal because of her family and pure blood.
Being a Scorsese film, and also given the subject matter, everyone should know that this is not a romance, this is not a story of heroes. This is a detailing of tragic and malicious events in a very unrepresented American story.
With Killers of the Flower Moon, you’re in for a near 3 & 1/2 hour experience. This is the year of extra long movies, so it fits right in. To its merit, it is constantly compelling. I never got tired or let my attention drift because I knew I would miss big moments and decisions that take place within smaller conversations.
The narrative is told in a way that only Scorsese could handle. His filmography is rife with protagonists that the audience is never meant to relate to or empathize with, but their perspective gives us all the knowledge of the evils being committed and the insight into their torn loyalties.
DiCaprio is stunning in a role that requires him to be a very horrible person. He does himself no favors, as far as likability goes, with this role. Ernest is, in essence, a conniving coward who does the bidding of those who put any sort of pressure on him. Meanwhile, his wife Mollie has seen plenty of tragedy in her life. Gladstone plays the role in a very subtle and stoic way. At times, you want her to lash out and have this become a revenge/vigilante movie, but she knows that her death and the end of her culture is inevitable. The real standout in the cast is Robert DeNiro. I know that seems like the coldest take, but it’s been decades since I’ve seen him try this hard in a role. He should stick with Scorsese because with his role of “King” William Hale, he becomes one of the more effortless and believable villains I’ve seen in some years.
There is little to complain about, other than your legs falling asleep, in Flower Moon. Though, there are many redundant conversations and interactions. They feel like they pad the movie’s length, but even these familiar interactions have significance and provide more historical context.
Being a Scorsese film, music is a huge part of what crafts the experience. A combination of Native American songs, popular music from the 20s, and a ambient bluesy score from Robbie Robertson sets every scene and creates the perfect mood for the story being told.
Killers of the Flower Moon may not necessarily be considered a big screen experience, especially given that it will air on Apple TV+ as well, but it’s a gift that Scorsese fans, hidden history buffs, and those just looking for a quality film will devour. I don’t imagine I’ll ever need to watch this again, but it’s one of those memorable one time watches. The acting from the three leads is astounding, and they’re only part of the cast full of great character actors. This is a heavy experience, but one I’m glad I know slightly more about now. B+
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