In the early 1900s, the Osage Nation was forced to relocate to what was considered barren land in Oklahoma. However, their fortunes changed dramatically when oil was discovered on their newly acquired territory, bringing them unimaginable wealth. This attracted the attention of those who previously claimed the land, sparking a fierce battle for control. William King Hale, played by Robert De Niro, emerged as a legendary figure, known for his political maneuvering and alliances with both the Osage people and white settlers. De Niro's portrayal of "King" is extraordinary, capturing the essence of a sociopath with a disarming smile and piercing gaze as he commits treacherous acts.
Hale senses vulnerability in his nephew Ernest, who has recently returned home from war, eager to find a new purpose. Initially hired as a chauffeur for the wealthy Osage, Ernest meets Mollie (Lily Gladstone) and they decide to marry. Tragedy strikes when members of the Osage community, including Mollie's family, become victims of a series of brutal murders. On that same fateful day, Mollie's sister Anna (Cara Jade Myers), who is married to Ernest's brother Bryan (Scott Shepherd), is found shot near a creek. As Mollie deals with the loss of her sister to a mysterious illness called "Wasting Disease," she discovers she has diabetes and is confined to bedrest, making her an easy target for the malevolence that haunts the region, perhaps even within her own husband's heart.
Ernest, Mollie, and Hale form the central trio in Roth & Scorsese's historical drama. The story weaves together a tapestry of memorable characters, like Jesse Plemons, the BOI agent investigating the Osage murders, John Lithgow and Brendan Fraser as opposing attorneys, Tantoo Cardinal as Mollie's mother, and a captivating ensemble of musicians-turned-actors including Charlie Musselwhite, Sturgill Simpson, Pete Yorn, Jack White, and Jason Isbell. Isbell portrays Bill Smith, Ernest's potentially troublesome brother-in-law.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" may not fit the conventional gangster genre, but it perfectly complements Scorsese's exploration of corrupt and violent men over the past fifty years. There's a timeless quality to Scorsese's work here as he uses this chilling true story to examine the roots of our present reality, a century later. How did we allow such bloodshed to stain our nation? Scorsese and Roth took a book about the formation of the F.B.I. and shifted the narrative focus to Mollie and Ernest, providing a more personal perspective. Through their story, the film not only exposes injustice but also reveals the intrinsic connection between wealth and inequality in our country. It critically comments on how casual violence against marginalized individuals has persisted for a century. The allusions to the Tulsa Massacre and the KKK are not coincidental; they are integral parts of a larger picture—a world where some people dominate others simply because they can.
Scorsese's visions come to life with the help of his talented team of collaborators. He has assembled some of the finest talents to tell this captivating tale. Rodrigo Prieto's cinematography brilliantly captures the sprawling landscapes of the Osage Nation, while also delivering intimate and intense close-up shots. Robbie Robertson's pulsating score becomes a character in itself, infusing the film with a heartbeat that heightens the tension throughout its substantial runtime. A traditional, classical score simply wouldn't have the same impact. And let's not forget Thelma Schoonmaker, who plays a crucial role in shaping Scorsese's distinct directorial rhythm. Her work on "Killers of the Flower Moon" stands as one of her most remarkable achievements. While some may make jokes about the film's lengthy runtime, it's important to consider the vast scope of this multi-year saga. Schoonmaker's deft editing keeps the narrative moving forward, seamlessly guiding us through our nation's violent history without ever losing sight of the intricate threads that weave this complex saga together.
In terms of performance, witnessing Scorsese's two muses acting together for the first time since "This Boy's Life" holds inherent power. De Niro and DiCaprio fuel each other's performances, portraying an abusive father with compelling portrayals. However, it is Gladstone who truly captivates the audience. This standout actress from "Certain Women" masterfully embodies her role, staying true to each authentic moment. She refuses to be a mere representation of all Indigenous victims; instead, she portrays her character with depth and truth. While "Killers of the Flower Moon" could easily veer into broader political commentary, the performances, especially Gladstone's, anchor the film in the genuine essence of each character. The ensemble understands this crucial element, presenting the reality rather than treating it as a history lesson. Mollie Burkhardt's story helps establish the FBI and sheds light on injustice a century later. She simply yearned for survival and love, like so many others whose basic human rights were unjustly stripped away.
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