By Yulia Tulegenova. digital and visual artist, art critic and movie reviewer.
Under the vast, whispering skies of 1920s Oklahoma, the Osage Nation thrived on newfound wealth from the dark, viscous gold beneath their land. This prosperity, however, drew shadows of greed and malevolence, whispering promises of riches and power to those with blackened hearts. In one chilling scene from Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the camera lingers on Mollie Burkhart (Lily Gladstone) as she gazes out across the seemingly endless prairie, her eyes filled with both pride and foreboding. “This land is beautiful, but it has a darkness underneath,” she murmurs, her voice heavy with the weight of unspoken fears. This poignant moment, rich with atmospheric tension, sets the tone for a story of betrayal and brutality. In “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Scorsese masterfully delves into the deepest recesses of human greed and corruption, creating a film that not only captivates but also serves as a stark commentary on a dark chapter of American history.
Martin Scorsese, one of cinema’s most revered directors, has once again demonstrated his unparalleled storytelling prowess with “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a film adaptation of David Grann’s meticulously researched book, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI.” The film dives deep into a harrowing chapter of American history, laying bare the systemic greed and racial injustice faced by the Osage Nation in the 1920s. Through a meticulous blend of historical accuracy, masterful direction, and outstanding performances, Scorsese crafts a haunting narrative that resonates profoundly in today’s socio-political landscape.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” made its highly anticipated debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant moment in cinematic history. Premiering at this renowned international platform underscored the film’s artistic merit and global relevance. The festival, known for celebrating groundbreaking cinema, provided an ideal stage for Scorsese’s latest masterpiece. The audience’s response was overwhelmingly positive, with a lengthy standing ovation that highlighted the film’s emotional impact and technical brilliance. This Cannes premiere not only elevated the film’s profile but also reinforced Scorsese’s status as a masterful storyteller capable of captivating audiences worldwide with profound, thought-provoking storytelling.
David Grann’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” serves as the sturdy foundation upon which the film is built. The book, a work of non-fiction, meticulously chronicles the series of murders that plagued the Osage Indian Reservation in Oklahoma after oil was discovered beneath their land. This wealth made the Osage some of the richest people per capita in the world during the early 20th century, but it also made them targets for an insidious plot. Grann’s narrative is part true-crime thriller and part historical exposé, revealing how systemic racism and institutional corruption allowed a spree of brutal murders to unfold with little intervention from law enforcement. The book also underscores the nascent FBI’s involvement, led by a young J. Edgar Hoover, which ultimately brought the crimes to national attention and led to the prosecution of the perpetrators.
The film faithfully adapts Grann’s narrative, transporting viewers to the 1920s Osage County, where the newfound wealth of the Osage people attracts the sinister interests of white settlers and businessmen. Central to the story is the relationship between Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), a World War I veteran, and his Osage wife, Mollie Burkhart (Lily Gladstone). Their union is marred by a series of increasingly violent deaths within Mollie’s family, orchestrated by Ernest’s manipulative uncle, William Hale (Robert De Niro). Hale, the self-proclaimed “King of the Osage Hills”, is revealed as the mastermind behind the killings, driven by an insatiable greed to acquire the Osage’s oil wealth through murder and deception. As the body count rises, the film portrays the FBI’s early intervention under Tom White (Jesse Plemons), who, under the directive of Hoover, begins to unravel the conspiracy. The plot’s tension is unrelenting, with Scorsese skillfully balancing the depiction of individual tragedies against the broader systemic corruption that facilitated the murders. The narrative is as much about personal loss and betrayal as it is about the failure of legal and moral institutions.
The cast of “Killers of the Flower Moon” delivers a series of masterful performances that collectively elevate the film into a deeply immersive and emotionally charged narrative. Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, and Jesse Plemons each bring a profound authenticity to their roles, capturing the complex interplay of morality, greed, and resilience at the heart of the story. Under Martin Scorsese’s expert direction, their portrayals resonate with a raw intensity, revealing the intricate layers of their characters’ motivations and struggles. This remarkable synergy between the actors not only breathes life into the historical events but also underscores the film’s poignant commentary on human nature and societal corruption, making “Killers of the Flower Moon” a compelling and haunting cinematic experience.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a masterful demonstration of his immersive character portrayal skills. In the role of Ernest Burkhart, DiCaprio navigates a complex moral landscape filled with personal and societal turmoil. Ernest is a man caught between his loyalty to family and his own moral decay caused by the corrupting influence of his uncle, William Hale (Robert De Niro), whose ambitions taint every aspect of Ernest’s life. DiCaprio imbues Ernest with a palpable sense of internal conflict and moral ambiguity. From the outset, his portrayal captures Ernest’s initial naivety and eventual complicity as he becomes entangled in Hale’s nefarious schemes. DiCaprio deftly portrays Ernest’s gradual realization of the extent of his uncle’s malevolence, conveying a subtle evolution from reluctant participant to conflicted accomplice.
Throughout the film, DiCaprio’s performance is marked by moments of emotional intensity and vulnerability. His interactions with Lily Gladstone’s Mollie Burkhart, Ernest’s Osage wife, are particularly poignant, showcasing DiCaprio’s ability to convey complex emotions with restraint and authenticity. Their relationship becomes a poignant anchor amidst the film’s broader narrative of betrayal and injustice.
Lily Gladstone’s portrayal of Mollie Burkhart in “Killers of the Flower Moon” is quietly powerful, capturing the resilience of a woman grappling with profound personal tragedy amid systemic injustice. As an Osage woman whose family is targeted for their oil wealth, Mollie confronts devastating losses as murders orchestrated by her husband’s uncle, William Hale (Robert De Niro), unfold.
Gladstone infuses Mollie with a steadfast determination to uncover the truth behind the crimes. Her performance balances vulnerability with strength, portraying Mollie’s resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. The chemistry between Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays Mollie’s conflicted husband Ernest Burkhart, adds emotional depth to their tumultuous relationship. Gladstone’s portrayal enriches the film with a poignant exploration of identity, justice, and the enduring impact of historical trauma, solidifying her role as a pivotal character in the narrative’s complex dynamics.
Robert De Niro’s portrayal of William Hale in “Killers of the Flower Moon” is chillingly captivating, showcasing his ability to embody characters of moral ambiguity and malevolence. Hale, the wealthy and influential uncle to Leonardo DiCaprio’s Ernest Burkhart, uses his power to manipulate and exploit those around him, particularly the Osage people targeted for their oil wealth. De Niro brings a calculated charm to Hale, masking his nefarious intentions with a facade of affability. His performance exudes a quiet menace, capturing Hale’s ruthlessness and ambition with every calculated move. De Niro’s portrayal highlights the complexity of a character whose greed knows no bounds, influencing every aspect of Ernest’s life and contributing to the unfolding tragedy.
Throughout the film, De Niro’s presence commands attention in scenes where Hale’s true nature surfaces, revealing the depths of his manipulation and moral bankruptcy. His interactions with the other characters, especially Ernest and Mollie Burkhart (Lily Gladstone), underscore the film’s exploration of power dynamics and the corrosive effects of unchecked ambition.
In “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the cinematography, under the expert eye of director of photography Rodrigo Prieto, serves as a powerful narrative tool that enhances the film’s atmospheric richness and emotional depth. Prieto’s visual storytelling captures the stark beauty and haunting landscapes of 1920s Oklahoma, setting the stage for the unfolding drama with meticulous attention to detail.
Throughout the film, Prieto employs a blend of sweeping wide shots and intimate close-ups to immerse viewers in the world of Osage County. The vast, windswept plains and expansive skies become not just a backdrop but a character in themselves, reflecting the isolation and grandeur of the setting. Prieto’s use of natural light and shadow creates a sense of realism that grounds the film’s historical authenticity while infusing each scene with a palpable mood and atmosphere.
Prieto’s use of lighting is particularly effective in conveying the film’s tonal shifts. The contrast between the bright, sunlit exteriors and the shadowy, dimly lit interiors mirrors the duality of the characters’ lives – the public display of civility and the hidden, nefarious intentions. This interplay of light and dark enhances the narrative’s tension, making the moments of violence and betrayal even more shocking.
The sound design in “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a masterclass in creating atmosphere and tension. Robbie Robertson, Scorsese’s longtime collaborator, crafts a haunting score that underscores the film’s dark themes. The music is both period-appropriate and evocative, blending traditional Osage chants and melodies with orchestral arrangements that heighten the emotional stakes of the narrative. The soundscapes are meticulously designed to reflect the eerie quiet of the prairie juxtaposed with the violent outbursts that punctuate the story.
Ambient sounds play a crucial role in immersing the audience in the world of Osage County. The rustling of wind through tall grass, the distant howls of wolves, and the rhythmic clatter of oil derricks all contribute to a soundscape that feels alive and foreboding. This auditory immersion is critical in a film where much of the horror lies in the creeping, insidious nature of the violence.
The atmosphere in “Killers of the Flower Moon” is suffused with a sense of dread and inevitability. Scorsese expertly captures the social and cultural tensions of the 1920s, a period marked by profound changes and deep-seated prejudices. The film’s meticulous attention to historical detail – from the costumes and set designs to the dialects and social customs – transports viewers back in time, making the story’s horrors feel immediate and real.
The sense of community among the Osage is poignantly depicted, with scenes of communal gatherings and traditional ceremonies providing a stark contrast to the encroaching threat of violence. These moments of cultural celebration and solidarity serve as a powerful reminder of what is at stake, deepening the audience’s emotional investment in the characters’ fates.
As I reflect on “Killers of the Flower Moon,” I am struck by the profound impact the film had on me. Martin Scorsese’s masterful direction, combined with the exceptional performances of Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, brought this harrowing tale from American history to life in a way that was both haunting and enlightening. Scorsese has a unique talent for weaving intricate narratives that delve deep into the human psyche, and this film is no exception.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is more than just a historical drama; it is a poignant exploration of human nature, morality, and the enduring quest for justice. Scorsese’s direction, combined with the stellar performances and breathtaking cinematography, creates a film that is both a visual masterpiece and an emotionally powerful experience. The film’s ability to bring to light a dark, often overlooked part of American history while resonating with contemporary themes makes it a truly significant piece of cinema. This film stands as a testament to the power of cinema to educate, move, and inspire, and I am profoundly grateful for the experience of watching it.