Killers of the Flower Moon Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, John Lithgow, Brendon Fraser
Killers of the Flower Moon Crew:
Based on Killers of the Flower Moon novel by David Grann
Music by Robbie Robertson
Cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto
Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
Written by Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Produced by Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese, Daniel Lupi
Killers of the Flower Moon Movie Rating: 3.25/5
Killers of the Flower Moon brings back most revered and highly regarded Martin Scorsese and Leonardio DiCaprio combination of big screens. They have decided to talk about the Osage murders mystery in their new film. Martin Scorsese faced criticism for making The Irishman, highly indulgent to his technique and not regarding the story requirements. Killers of the Flower Moon has been stated to be his most honest work and even better brings together Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, on screen. Oscar buzz for nominations involving the actors and crew has already been high for the film. Let’s discuss about Killers of the Flower Moon, in detail.
Killers of the Flower Moon Plot:
In 1910’s and 1920’s, Oil discovery in Oklahoma, USA, has made Osage people belonging to Red Indian tribe of Native Americans, richest community. Congress declares Osage people as incompetent and appoints white guardians as caretakers. Taking advantage of this condition, White people start marrying Osage women for head rights of these Oil estates. Killers of the Flower Moon discusses about the mysterious murders of Osage people.
During this time period, post World War I, William “King” Hale(Robert De Niro) welcomes his nephew, Ernest Burkhart(Leonardo DiCaprio) to his ranch in Osage County. He is appointed as sheriff and people call him King. Ernest Burkhart meets Mollie Kelly(Lily Gladstone). They both fall in love and marry each other. Slowly, Mollie’s family members start to die and even Mollie falls sick. Ernest Burkhart is arrested by Bureau of Investigation for inquiry. What is the mystery behind these murders? Watch Killers of the Flower Moon, to know more.
Killers of the Flower Moon Analysis:
Killers of the Flower Moon as a book brings to light the darkest mystery behind 100’s of Osage people being killed, primarily for in-demand oil estates. Ranches and ranchers, Osage people have suddenly become so rich that they attracted bad people with very dark motives into their lives. One family murders have came out in open involving Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kelly.
This prompted US Congress to change the law and get rid of guardians for Osage people. Martin Scorsese doesn’t try to showcase it as racist attack rather portrays it as human tendency to cheat an innocent person.
He categorises the people trying to use Osage people and get their money, as pack of wolves. There is a honest attempt from him to show the culture of Osage people and Red Indians that has been lost to White supremacy. While the intention is noble, Martin Scorsese, missed the emotional cog that connects the story with global audiences.
He seems to have been overwhelmed by the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, he tried to talk more about their characters. Killers of the Flower Moon, is more a story about Mollie and her people than Ernest and William Hale. While he tries to balance it, he gets carried away into their plotting and scheming more in screenplay.
While the film is engaging, we don’t find the emotional connect as much as we needed to, in this story. Technically, movie is superlative as score, sound design, cinematography look to elevate the written material and succeed in the task. Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone excelled in their performances. Killers of the Flower Moon despite the 3 hrs 26 minutes runtime doesn’t feel like a too long film due to the performances and engaging screenplay.
We wish if it had that emotional impact as well to take us into the world more from Mollie’s eyes than the schemers’ pov. Killers of the Flower Moon is a good watch as it depicts the dark human nature in all its dishonorable glory.
Killers of the Flower Moon Positives:
Leonardo DiCaprio
Robert De Niro
Lily Gladstone
Ensemble performances
Technical Crew
Killers of the Flower Moon Negatives:
Some Screenplay choices
Narrative that could’ve been better
Over dependency on performances
Killers of the Flower Moon Movie Bottom-line: Very Honest and Sincere!
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