Killers of the Flower Moon is a masterpiece of cinema history and storytelling
Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio have teamed up for the first time to create a stunning western that exposes the dark truth behind America’s frontier myth. Based on a true story, Killers of the Flower Moon reveals how a conspiracy of greed and murder targeted the Osage Nation, who became rich from oil discovered on their land in Oklahoma in the 1920s.
The film is based on a best-selling book by David Grann
The film is adapted from David Grann’s 2017 non-fiction book of the same name, which was a finalist for the National Book Award and a New York Times bestseller. Grann spent years researching the Osage murders, which were largely forgotten by history until he uncovered the shocking extent of the crimes and the cover-ups. He interviewed surviving Osage members, descendants of the victims and perpetrators, and FBI agents who investigated the case.
The film features stellar performances from DiCaprio, De Niro and Lily Gladstone
The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart, a war veteran who marries Mollie (Lily Gladstone), a young Osage woman whose family members are being killed one by one. Robert De Niro plays William Hale, Ernest’s uncle and a local rancher who orchestrates the plot to steal the Osage wealth by manipulating Ernest and murdering Mollie’s relatives. Lily Gladstone, a Native American actress, delivers a powerful performance as Mollie, who struggles to survive and protect her loved ones in a hostile environment.
The film is Scorsese’s first western and his most ambitious project yet
Killers of the Flower Moon is Scorsese’s first foray into the western genre, but he does not follow the conventional tropes of cowboys and Indians. Instead, he subverts the genre by showing how the west was stolen from its original inhabitants by ruthless opportunists who exploited their resources and culture. The film is also Scorsese’s most expensive and expansive project to date, with a budget of over $200 million and a runtime of nearly four hours.
The film is a critical and commercial success and a contender for awards
The film has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, who have praised its cinematography, direction, screenplay, acting, and historical accuracy. The film has also broken box office records, earning over $300 million worldwide in its first week of release. The film is widely considered as one of Scorsese’s best works and a masterpiece of cinema history and storytelling. The film is expected to receive multiple nominations and awards at the upcoming Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and other ceremonies.
