Actor Reveals Insights on Killers Of The Flower Moon Ending Cameo, Contrary to Scorsese's Involvement

Warning: The article contains spoilers for Killers of the Flower Moon

Summary

Casting director Ellen Lewis suggested Martin Scorsese's cameo in the ending of Killers of the Flower Moon, showcasing their powerful collaboration. The final scene of the movie, which showcases Scorsese as a radio announcer, is described as a profound and impactful moment, expressing genuine anger and remorse towards violence.

The ending of Killers of the Flower Moon effectively addresses the injustices and tragic deaths depicted in the biopic, uncovering a cover-up and emphasizing the resilience of Native American traditions. Larry Fessenden explains the ending scene of Killers of the Flower Moon, where he portrays a radio announcer who reveals the aftermath of William King Hale's trial (played by Robert De Niro) and provides updates on the lives of Ernest (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Burkhart (played by Lily Gladstone). The epilogue also unexpectedly features Martin Scorsese, the director of the film, as the radio show producer who shares further details about the characters' fates following the Osage Nation murders and investigation.

In a conversation with Insider, Fessenden shares additional information regarding Martin Scorsese's cameo in the ending of "Killer of the Flower Moon." Contrary to popular belief, it was not Scorsese himself who came up with the idea. Instead, the casting director, Ellen Lewis, was the one who proposed the opportunity. Fessenden discusses the profound impact of filming the last scene, with the main actors remaining on set to witness Scorsese reading the details. Here is the complete statement from Fessenden:

Before rehearsals commenced, Ellen Lewis actually suggested this to Martin. She urged him, saying, "Marty, you absolutely must portray that character."

That's the strength behind his collaborations. We're familiar with Robbie Robertson and Thelma Schoonmaker, but Ellen plays a vital role too. She believed he should take on the task.

And so, on the day of filming, they emptied the room, and the entire audience departed. However, we, the actors on stage, were granted permission to remain and observe.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I recognized the significance of this moment, not just for the entire project, but also for Marty's career, even before witnessing the movie. I could instinctively sense a true expression of anger and a sincere apology for violence. The impact was deeply profound.

Repeatedly, he took charge and directed the scene himself. We all felt a sense of honor and privilege in witnessing this incredible process.

Why Killers of the Flower Moon’s Ending Works So Well

After the series of brutal murders, Killers of the Flower Moon concludes with a shift to an old-fashioned news anchor played by Scorsese. In this spoken-word epilogue, Scorsese divulges the aftermath of the Osage murder trials, including the passing of Mollie Burkhart due to diabetes at the age of 50. The radio host then delivers a poignant line regarding Mollie's obituary: "No reference was made to the murders."

Following a 3.5-hour journey of conspiracies, betrayal, and deceit, the concluding radio scene serves as a haunting confrontation with the injustices witnessed by the audience. Prior to addressing Mollie's tragic demise, Scorsese's radio host unveils that Ernest was sentenced to life in prison but later received a pardon, while Bill was released shortly after. Both Bill and Ernest resided near the Osage Nation, but led separate lives. As the Osage murders are concealed for years and remain "unmentioned," the victims, including Mollie, endure silent suffering.

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Although Scorsese is credited with the final spoken line in Killers of the Flower Moon, the film does not conclude with the radio show. Instead, the crime drama transitions to a mesmerizing powwow scene, expertly captured from an overhead perspective. In this way, Scorsese highlights the resilience of Native American traditions in the face of generations of oppression by White settlers. Through these contrasting final moments, Killers of the Flower Moon demonstrates why critics are hailing it as a masterpiece.

Source: Insider