Release Date – 20th October 2023, Cert – 15, Run-time – 3 hours 26 minutes, Director – Martin Scorsese
When deaths of Osage tribe members begin to rise after the discovery of oil the FBI launches a murder investigation, with the trail potentially leading to a conspiracy amongst the white parties in the area
On the red carpet for the LFF premiere of Killers Of The Flower Moon long-time Scorsese editor Thelma Schoonmaker spoke to Letterboxd about what’s changed about the acclaimed filmmakers films over the decades. The topic of violence cropped up in her answer, saying that while it used to be depicted up-close and personal, much of it is now shown in long-shots. It’s certainly the case in his latest film as deaths are treated by key characters, and often shown, with a dead-pan ‘it’s just business’ manner.
It’s all part of the plan for the white parties who have largely worked their way into the Osage community following the discovery of oil in the area. Everyone is given their fair share of riches from the money made from the oil, however there are those who want more, if not more. Especially Robert De Niro’s William Hale, who takes his nephew Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) under his wing shortly after he arrives in town. As Ernest falls for Lily Gladstone’s Mollie Burkhart deaths in the tribe begin to rise. None are treated as suspicious, or anything close to murder, simply ignored. Yet, as the stakes and threat rise it’s not long until the FBI get involved.
While some feel hope, there’s clear panic for others as they worry that something may be uncovered. How much of what’s been going on has simply been out of greed? Ernest frequently repeats, to the point of catchphrase, “I love money! I love money!” – it’s one of the first things he shouts as we’re introduced to him. With each development there’s more interest in the drama, particularly as things become more heated and (quite literally) explosive – a very effective moment helped by Scorsese’s use of one-shot and the overall scale of the film.
When going into production many questioned why David Grann’s novel of the same name needed $200 million to be adapted. Watching the final result it’s easy to see that the money has been well spent in the production design alone. The scale certainly creates a strong impact, placing you directly in the town at the centre of the piece. Brought further to life by the strong cast who populate it – Lily Gladstone manages to standout from even DiCaprio and De Niro.
Yet, the most effect comes in the overall pacing of the narrative developments. At almost three-and-a-half hours the pacing of the film and how it reveals details feels consistent, and never delayed or overlong. There’s a strong drama playing out which grips and engages thanks to the various elements at play. Connecting you with those who you need to connect with to truly feel the oppositions and antagonisms at play, especially as relationships darken or seem unclear. It’s such character details and thematic strength which means that the ‘just business’ nature of deaths and scheming doesn’t leak across the film and cover it entirely.
With strong thematic details and effectively placed developments Killers Of The Flower Moon is an engaging drama with plenty to connect with from both performances and scale.
Just A Little Bit Random 