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Killers of the Flower Moon (film)
“Killers of the Flower Moon” emerges as a 2023 American epic Western crime drama film, skillfully crafted under the guidance of the legendary Martin Scorsese. Directed and produced by Scorsese, who co-wrote the script with Eric Roth, the film draws its narrative from David Grann’s 2017 non-fiction book. Set against the backdrop of 1920s Oklahoma, the story unfolds around a series of murders targeting Osage tribe members following the discovery of oil on their tribal land. As the plot delves into the pursuit of wealth, the film takes viewers on a gripping journey of crime, deception, and justice.
The stellar ensemble cast, led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, showcases the depth of talent in this cinematic masterpiece. Jesse Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow, and Brendan Fraser contribute to the film’s rich tapestry, creating an immersive experience for the audience. Notably, this film marks the final collaboration between Scorsese and composer Robbie Robertson, to whom the film is dedicated.
The development of “Killers of the Flower Moon” commenced in March 2016 when Imperative Entertainment secured the adaptation rights to Grann’s book. Scorsese and DiCaprio became attached to the project in 2017, with production initially set for 2018. However, various delays, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, pushed the commencement to February 2021. The film secured financing and distribution from Apple TV+ and Paramount Pictures. Filming, executed in Osage and Washington counties, Oklahoma, spanned from April to October 2021, making it the most expensive film shoot in the state’s history, with a reported budget of $200 million.
Premiering at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, “Killers of the Flower Moon” received theatrical release in the United States on October 20, 2023, courtesy of Apple TV+ and Paramount Pictures. The film’s global box office success, exceeding $156 million, underscores its critical acclaim. Scorsese’s direction, the screenplay, production values, editing, cinematography, musical score, and standout performances, particularly by DiCaprio, Gladstone, and De Niro, have garnered widespread praise. The film secured Best Film at the National Board of Review and earned a spot among the top 10 films of 2023 according to the American Film Institute. Furthermore, it boasts seven Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama.
The narrative unfolds against the historical backdrop of Osage tribe members fighting to retain their wealth amid a wave of murders orchestrated by opportunistic individuals. The film intricately weaves together the threads of greed, betrayal, and justice, providing a poignant commentary on a dark chapter in American history. As the characters grapple with moral dilemmas and face the consequences of their actions, “Killers of the Flower Moon” immerses the audience in a gripping tale of suspense and revelation.
Despite its acclaim, the film has faced criticism, primarily directed at its lengthy runtime. Some audiences found the storytelling to be exhaustive, particularly given Scorsese’s penchant for extended narratives. However, defenders argue that the film’s length is essential for fully capturing the intricacies of the plot and the depth of the characters.
As “Killers of the Flower Moon” continues to captivate audiences globally, it stands as a testament to Scorsese’s storytelling prowess and the enduring impact of historical narratives on the cinematic landscape. The film masterfully intertwines history, drama, and crime, inviting viewers to reflect on a bygone era marked by greed, tragedy, and the pursuit of justice.
Episodes Summary
In the heart of the Osage Nation, elders lay to rest a ceremonial pipe, symbolizing the mourning for their descendants’ assimilation into white American society. Their Oklahoma reservation, adorned annually with the mesmerizing “flower moon” phenomenon, becomes the stage for a twist of fate when oil spurts from the earth, transforming the tribe’s fortune. However, this newfound wealth comes with a bitter caveat – white legal guardians, deeming Osage members “incompetent,” manage their money as per the law.
Ernest Burkhart returns from World War I to the reservation, where his uncle William King Hale, known as “King,” maneuvers behind a façade of benevolence. Hale, a cunning cattle rancher, suggests Ernest court Mollie Kyle, an Osage with valuable oil headrights. Unbeknownst to Mollie, Hale orchestrates a sinister plan to inherit more headrights through a series of calculated murders within her family. The Osage community, facing corruption and violence, grapples with the echoes of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre.
As Mollie’s lobbying efforts for justice intensify, the Bureau of Investigation steps in. Private detective William J. Burns is thwarted by Osage resistance, but Mollie’s determination leads her to President Calvin Coolidge for assistance. However, Hale, fearing exposure, manipulates Ernest into poisoning Mollie. The Bureau’s investigation reveals the truth, resulting in the arrest of Hale and Ernest. Despite a courtroom drama, the aftermath sees Hale and Ernest convicted but later paroled, sparking Osage protests.
The film’s themes, distinct from traditional Westerns, highlight the impact of greed, complicity, and cowardice on the Osage. Scorsese’s adaptation, while praised for its exploration of historical crimes, is criticized for its overindulgence, redundant scenes, and excessive runtime. The narrative tension and suspense present in the book lose some of their potency in the film adaptation. Despite stellar performances, particularly from De Niro and DiCaprio, the film’s pacing and directorial choices detract from the gravity of the Osage people’s harrowing history. The disappointment in Scorsese’s recent work, marked by lengthy and meandering storytelling, overshadows the crucial tale of the Osage and their tragic encounter with exploitation and violence.
Release Date
“Killers of the Flower Moon” debuted on the global stage with its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023. The screening culminated in a remarkable nine-minute standing ovation, a testament to the film’s impact on the audience. Following this, the United States premiere unfolded on September 27, 2023, at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, New York City. However, the premiere was marked by the absence of the cast, a consequence of the ongoing 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
Initially slated for a limited release on October 6, 2023, before a wider distribution on October 20, 2023, in the United States, the release strategy underwent adjustments. Apple TV+ and Paramount Pictures, operating under the Apple Original Films label, opted for a global theatrical rollout on October 20. Italy’s Rai Cinema, in collaboration with Leone Film Group, secured local theatrical release rights during the film’s production, a deal reported by Variety.
Ahead of the film’s second trailer unveiling in July 2023, an additional cinematic spectacle was announced—the release of “Killers of the Flower Moon” in IMAX theaters, enhancing the viewer experience. However, some theaters in Denmark, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, the Netherlands, and the United States decided to insert their own intermissions during the screening. This prompted Paramount and Apple Original Films to intervene, citing contractual violations and seeking a halt to the unauthorized alterations.
The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, faced criticism for its extended duration, a concern addressed by Scorsese and editor Thelma Schoonmaker in public statements defending the creative choices. Despite the controversy, “Killers of the Flower Moon” reached video on demand (VOD) platforms on December 5, 2023, providing audiences with an alternative mode of access to this highly anticipated cinematic work.
Tv Series Cast
Top Four Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprio
- Robert De Niro
- Lily Gladstone
- Jesse Plemons
- Tantoo Cardinal
- John Lithgow
- Brendan Fraser
- Cara Jade Myers
- JaNae Collins
- Jillian Dion
- Jason Isbell
- William Belleau
- Louis Cancelmi
- Scott Shepherd
- Brent Langdon
- Everett Waller
- Talee Redcorn
- Yancey Red Corn
- Tatanka Means
- Tommy Schultz
- Sturgill Simpson
- Ty Mitchell
- Gary Basaraba
- Charlie Musselwhite
- Pat Healy
- Steve Witting
- Steve Routman
- Michael Abbott Jr.
- Randy Houser
- Jack White
- Pete Yorn
- Larry Sellers
- Barry Corbin
- Steve Eastin
- Katherine Willis
- Elden Henson
- Gene Jones
- Larry Fessenden
- Vince Giordano
- Martin Scorsese
- Norma Jean
In “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a gripping crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, an ensemble cast delivers compelling performances to bring this true historical tale to life. Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the role of Ernest Burkhart, a World War I veteran whose greed and gullibility make him a pawn in a series of murders. Robert De Niro portrays William King Hale, Ernest’s uncle, while Lily Gladstone captivates as Mollie Kyle, Ernest’s wife. Jesse Plemons embodies the character of Thomas Bruce White Sr., a Bureau of Investigation (BOI) agent leading the investigation into the murders.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Tantoo Cardinal as Lizzie Q, Mollie’s mother, and John Lithgow as Peter Leaward, the lead prosecutor in the trials of Hale and Burkhart. Brendan Fraser takes on the role of W. S. Hamilton, Hale’s attorney, and Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, and Jillian Dion portray Mollie’s sisters, Anna Brown, Reta (or Rita), and Minnie, respectively. Jason Isbell plays Bill Smith, Minnie’s husband, who later marries her sister Reta.
The ensemble includes a diverse array of characters, including William Belleau as Henry Roan, Mollie’s first husband and victim of Hale, and Louis Cancelmi as Kelsie Morrison, an acquaintance and accomplice of Burkhart and Hale. Scott Shepherd, Brent Langdon, Everett Waller, Talee Redcorn, and Yancey Red Corn, among others, contribute to the rich tapestry of characters that populate this riveting historical drama. With each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their roles, “Killers of the Flower Moon” promises a cinematic experience that delves into the complex and dark events of this unsettling chapter in American history.
Tv Series Information
| Name | Info |
|---|---|
| Directed | Martin Scorsese |
| Screenplay |
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| Based | Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann |
| Produced |
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| Cinematography | Rodrigo Prieto |
| Edited | Thelma Schoonmaker |
| Music | Robbie Robertson |
| Production |
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| Distributed |
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| Time | 206 Minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Languages |
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| Release | October 20, 2023 |
