Legendary director Martin Scorsese, whose career spans more than 50 years of filmmaking prestige, is renowned for his intricate storytelling. Films such as “Goodfellas,” “The Departed” and “The Irishman” highlight his cinematic forte: the crime thriller.
Scorsese’s latest picture, while deeply rooted in his go-to genre, is a notable departure from his previous projects. “Killers of the Flower Moon” leaves the grimy streets of the crime underworld for the wide-open plains of the Osage Nation, unraveling the mystery behind the devastating murders of the Osage people. While an 80-year-old Italian-American isn’t the perfect voice to tell this story, Scorsese still executes it with plenty of grace for those it attempts to represent. “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a sprawling, methodically-paced masterwork, dissecting the monstrous capabilities of evil operating in plain sight.
The story, based on a novel by David Grann, takes place in 1920s Oklahoma, where the Osage Nation has struck gold on top of an abundance of oil. Scorsese chooses to tell the story largely from the perspective of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) — a veteran returning from war who moves in with his wealthy uncle and local legend William “King” Hale (Robert De Niro). When Hale prods Burkhart to marry into the tribe, he falls in love with a wealthy Osage woman named Mollie (Lily Gladstone). Throughout three and a half hours of densely packed drama, a twisted plot to murder Mollie’s family and infiltrate the Osage fortune slowly reveals itself, calling upon the attention of the FBI.
If the daunting runtime concerns you, I get it; 206 minutes is an incredibly long time to sit and watch something uninterrupted. That being said, there isn’t a single moment in “Killers of the Flower Moon” that failed to earn my undivided attention. Scorsese and editor Thelma Schoonmaker cut the film with acute attention to tone and pace. The plot flows through time with a balanced level of ambiguity; it kept me guessing but didn’t leave me in the dust. The film mixes quiet and peaceful with loud and extreme, showcasing horrific tragedy, quaint conversation and romance.
With a $200 million budget, it is no surprise that “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a technical beast. The production and costume design is top-notch, magnifying buildings, cars and people over a century old. The musical score composed by Robbie Robertson implements classic Western and Native American sounds, providing an often gentle and occasionally intense backdrop perfect for riding a horse or relaxing on the porch.
Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography is vast, capturing sweeping landscapes and detailed close-ups. Whether inside or outside, the film always tries to create visually interesting shots. A handful of scenes exploit fire and its striking beauty that are particularly memorable.
DiCaprio’s performance is as strong as usual. His initial charm slowly whittles away as he falls deeper into his uncle’s ploy, playing Burkhart as deplorable and easily manipulated. He has a compelling love for Mollie, forcing you to reexamine his proper stance constantly. His pathetic frown is almost unbroken in the second half — a facial expression that will forever be associated with his character.
De Niro turns in another solid performance for Scorsese. He appears likable and charismatic initially, playing as an ally to the Osage people. His subtle menace and unbelievable apathy with the murders summarize Hale as a character — the epitome of evil.
The shining star and backbone of the film is Gladstone, grounding Mollie Burkhart in truth with a harrowing, sincere performance. There’s something about her voice that is calming to listen to, especially compared to the loud, angry delivery of many of her castmates. Her character’s tragedy is wholly represented by horrifying exclamations of pain. She is a certified lock to receive an Oscar nomination and a definite contender for the win.
Scorsese hits it out of the park with the ending, willing his voice into the film to ensure truth and emphasize the injustice presented on screen. He may not be the most authentic person to tell this story or represent the Osage people, but I’m unquestionably glad he did. “Killers of the Flower Moon” is an epic achievement.
