Killers of the Flower Moon Movie Review
Nathan Swank
October 20th, 2023
With a career spanning six decades, Martin Scorsese is without a doubt one of the greatest directors of all time. It is a pleasure to watch his films on the big screen. Even when his movies miss the mark, there is an artistry worth checking out. I for one have not loved all of his films, but I respect them. With that said, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON is another Martin Scorsese masterpiece.
Based on the true events set in 1920’s Oklahoma involving suspicious murders of the Osage Nation, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON is an epic crime western told through the improbable and complicated romance between Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone). After the Osage Nation of Native Americans discover oil on their land and gain overnight wealth, their lives immediately are endangered. With senseless murders disguised as sickness or random disputes, no investigations are made over the Osage people. As one leader expresses, it was easier when their enemy would openly attack in battle, rather than pretend to be their friends or marry their daughters. Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing is a deniable theme that permeates throughout the incredible adapted screenplay by Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese, and author David Gran.
Robert De Niro plays Ernest’s wealthy uncle, William Hale, otherwise known as King. His kindness comes with ulterior motives. Worse yet, he believes he is the good guy as he does unspeakably terrible things (I had a former employer with this similar complex). Urging his nephew to marry an Osage woman to potentially inherit her wealth, De Niro as King keeps his work subtle but always looming. Lily Gladstone as Mollie exudes a quiet strength while also being completely vulnerable. As possibly the smartest person in the room, she is conflicted in her trust and loyalty to her husband, but aware of what is happening to her people who are helpless without allies in this new white man world. KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON is a deep study in character and time, fully exploring this horrific moment in history without a dull moment. Each act has a distinctly different tone, but all builds appropriately within the context.
It’s not everyday that the main characters are not only villains but also superstars like De Niro and DiCaprio. The casting works, as the actors make the characters immediately likable and less assuming, blurring the lines in the viewers minds, but hopefully clearing the picture when bad choices override good intentions. There is also great supporting work all around with recognizable names popping up later in the film. Jesse Plemons is a constant standout in whatever work he is doing. Our three leads in particular, Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro, and Leonardo DiCaprio put in award worthy performances. Foolish, manipulative, sometimes loving, and fully stressed and pathetic, DiCaprio delivers in about every kind of way possible. With a portfolio of elite performances, DiCaprio gives one of his absolute best, maybe second only to THE DEPARTED.
At 3 hours and 26 minutes, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON might seem daunting. But don’t lump it in with all the other movies that are unnecessarily long with a need for tighter editing. Every frame of this film feels important as the story builds in perhaps less conventional exhilaration. Violent and heartbreaking, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON is another eye-opening tragedy in American history that is deeply moving in character, story, and artistry.
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