Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”: A Cinematic Masterpiece
Martin Scorsese’s latest film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” is hitting theaters this weekend, and if you think movies are getting longer, you’re not imagining it. According to a recent survey by The Economist, the average blockbuster now runs thirty minutes longer than films did in the 1990s. And Scorsese’s highly anticipated film, clocking in at three-and-a-half hours, is a prime example of this trend.
A Story of Wealth, Conspiracy, and Tragedy
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is based on the best-selling nonfiction book by David Grann and tells the gripping story of the murders of members of the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe in Oklahoma, during the 1920s. The Osage people became incredibly wealthy after oil was discovered on their land, making them the target of a ruthless conspiracy.
But don’t let the film’s runtime deter you. This is not just a lengthy exercise in storytelling. Scorsese’s adaptation delves deep into the heart of the narrative, focusing on the Osage people themselves. The shift away from a straightforward police procedural came about during the writing process, after a conversation between Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, who stars in the film.
“I think Marty and I just looked at each other and felt there was no soul to it,” DiCaprio told The New York Times. Scorsese echoed this sentiment in a Time interview, stating, “I realized I was making a movie about all the white guys.”
A Shift in Perspective
This realization prompted Scorsese to meet with members of the Osage Nation to gain a better understanding of their story. He wanted to do justice to their experiences and create a film they could trust. This shift in perspective adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple true crime story.
At the center of the film is a love story that is both warm and complicated, yet tinged with darkness. DiCaprio portrays Ernest Burkhart, a white World War I veteran who is encouraged by his uncle, William Hale (played by Robert De Niro), to marry into the Osage Nation. Burkhart marries an Osage woman named Mollie Kyle, played by Lily Gladstone, and together they start a family. However, Burkhart is also involved in Hale’s sinister plan to murder Kyle’s family members in pursuit of land rights.
With grace, sorrow, and sublime filmmaking clarity, Scorsese transforms this true crime story into a requiem for the country, as described by Manohla Dargis, The New York Times’ chief movie critic.
A Heartbreaking Masterpiece
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a film that goes beyond the surface level of a crime drama. It explores themes of greed, power, and the resilience of a marginalized community. Scorsese’s meticulous attention to detail, combined with exceptional performances from the cast, brings this tragic chapter of American history to life.
So, if you’re worried about the film’s lengthy runtime, don’t be. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience. “Killers of the Flower Moon” is not just a movie about a crime; it’s a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the capacity for both darkness and redemption.
