Killers of the Flower Moon, set to premier in theaters on October 6, 2023, is a movie that is not for the faint of heart. Martin Scorsese and screenwriter Eric Roth adapted David Grann’s true crime novel and turned it into a powerful movie that tells a chilling tale of Native American genocide in the 1920s.
The movie follows a string of brutal murders in Oklahoma that reveal a sprawling conspiracy to eliminate members of an oil-rich native community, whose wealth was controlled by white “guardians” appointed by the U.S government. The murderers are quick to present themselves on screen, making the story more shocking and the murders themselves come across as nothing short of flagrant.
A Murder Mystery Told From the Murderer’s Perspective
Killers of the Flower Moon is a murder mystery told from the murderers’ viewpoint. It packs an emotional punch that describes the brutal ruthlessness of its conspirators, who murder people they consider beneath them for financial gain. The Osage characters in the movie are not solely portrayed as victims but are given importance as culturally rich individuals who hold tribal meetings and follow customs and beliefs surrounding birth, death and marriage, et al.
Dazzling Cinematography and Stellar Performances
Scorsese’s signature fluid camera movements and his editor Thelma Schoonmaker’s propulsive cuts provide the movie’s breakneck momentum, making it mesmerizing and engaging for viewers. Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio play DeNiro’s business magnate uncle and DiCaprio’s lackey respectively, providing the movie with added star-power and terrific performances.
Lily Gladstone as the wealthy Osage tribeswoman Mollie Burkhart leaves the most significant impact with her performance’s depth and emotional intensity. She portrays the role with an unwavering self-assurance and sweetness that slowly fades as her people and culture meet their demise.
The Real Love Story
The movie’s most authentic love story develops between Mollie and Ernest, magnificently played by DiCaprio. The couple’s relationship pushes the boundaries of trust and questions the morality of Ernest’s actions. The toxic relationship between America’s Natives and colonizers becomes more apparent as the movie progresses, providing a multi-faceted dynamic that combines euphoria with difficulties and doubt.
A Self-Reflective Western
The movie’s self-reflecting western theme is evident in Rodrigo Prieto’s breathtaking landscape cinematography and Robbie Robertson’s constant nods to genre conventions, making it a classic western and mob movie all rolled into one. Javier Bardem’s role as a nefarious cattleman is a perfect fit for the movie, and his performance amplifies the impact of the story’s violent nature.
Conclusion
Killers of the Flower Moon delivers an emotionally charged story with excellent performances and astonishing visuals. While it’s undoubtedly an engaging and entertaining movie, its subject material is crucially important and sheds light on America’s history of mistreating Native populations. The film demonstrates that, even now, the violence depicted in the 1920s has lasting implications, and it reminds us that we must learn from our past mistakes.