Scorsese’s latest film ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ tells the true story of a series of murders that took place on the Osage Nation in 1920s Oklahoma.
An adaptation of the 2017 book (same name), Scorsese closely involved the Osage Nation from the very beginning, including a series of consultations to voice their views, casting a number of Osage actors in prominent roles, hiring Osage people as background extras, and engaging Osage consultants on the creative team to check the authenticity of what was being presented.
A broody movie, the film is visually stunning and centres on the intersection of two families – and the devastation one causes the other over oil rights.
Featuring a powerhouse dynamic of De Niro and DiCaprio, the film is packed with a veteran ensemble cast that includes standout performances from Lily Gladstone, Tantoo Cardinal and Brendan Fraser.
Both foul and yet charismatic, De Niro and DiCaprio give performances of a lifetime: each one playing off the others’ fears, misplaced loyalty and greed.
De Niro is grotesque in his conviction that he is a ‘lifelong friend’ to the Osage people; disturbingly polite as he ‘murders with a smile’ in the methodical way of a true psychopath.
DiCaprio as his cowardly nephew, has been transformed to his ugliest self – both physically and metaphorically. With exaggerated teeth and lank greasy hair, gone is the charm and swagger of Gatsby – and in it’s place we have a broken aimless man twisted by greed.
A hit at the box office, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ had the highest opening weekend of any De Niro – Scorsese collaboration but failed to win an Oscar despite it’s whopping 10 nominations. (Lily Gladstone was beaten for Best Actress by Emma Stone in ‘Poor Things’ which some have called a snub)
Despite the important story that needs to be told here of indigenous history it must be mentioned that the film clocks in at a record 3.5 hours and needs a good hard edit. There was simply too much extra detail and comes across as a little indulgent. I ended up watching this film in two sittings.
A sobering, thoughtful epic I would recommend this film for a Sunday afternoon when you’ve got the time to watch it in one full sitting and give it the consideration it deserves.
