Leonardo DiCaprio's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Improv That Even Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro Couldn't Resist

Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro. Samir Hussein/WireImage

Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro were occasionally unimpressed by Leonardo DiCaprio's improvisation decisions during the filming of Killers of the Flower Moon. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, October 19, Scorsese, aged 80, revealed that there were moments when he and De Niro would exchange glances and subtly express their disapproval, advising DiCaprio, "You can do without that dialogue."

According to the director, the two actors have completely contrasting personalities. He mentioned that DiCaprio's creative choices were so extensive and never-ending that De Niro, who is 80 years old, did not feel like engaging in conversation. "Killers of the Flower Moon," based on David Grann's nonfiction book published in 2017, is a crime saga set in the 1920s in Oklahoma on Osage Nation territory. As oil is discovered, the Osage people become victims of targeted murders, prompting the FBI to intervene and investigate. The film will be distributed by Apple TV+ and will premiere in theaters on October 20, a Friday.

Scorsese and cowriter Eric Roth embarked on the task of adapting Grann's story for the screen. Paramount supported the project, with DiCaprio set to play the role of Tom White, the main FBI agent involved in the case. However, DiCaprio felt that the script needed a major overhaul after more than two years of writing.

Scorsese revealed that DiCaprio approached him with a question, asking where the heart of the story lay. After Scorsese had spent time meeting and dining with the Osage, he realized that the real story came from within, specifically from Oklahoma, rather than from an outsider perspective such as the bureau.

Leonardo DiCaprio. Apple TV+

DiCaprio has taken on a different role, now portraying the character of Ernest Burkhart, a veteran of World War 1 who becomes entangled in his uncle William K. Hale's plot to steal the wealth of the Osage people. The revised script places a greater emphasis on his marriage to Mollie, an Osage woman (played by Lily Gladstone). Jesse Plemons has joined the cast to portray Tom White, with the FBI storyline now taking a backseat.

Scorsese's alterations to the film led to Paramount withdrawing their financial support, citing the increased budget. Eventually, Apple TV+ stepped in to provide the necessary $200 million for the movie's production, and Paramount reentered as the theatrical distribution partner. (This is the second time Paramount has withdrawn funding from Scorsese, as they previously did during the production of The Irishman due to budget conflicts.)

Scorsese expressed his realization about focusing the movie on white men in an interview with Time magazine in September 2023. He admitted being concerned about his approach of taking an outsider's perspective. On the other hand, Gladstone clarified in an interview with Vulture in August that the revised version of the film is not a white-savior narrative. Instead, it centers on the Osage community's plea for assistance by providing financial support.

Chief Standing Bear of the Osage Nation described the past events as a profound betrayal of his people during a press conference for the film "Killers of the Flower Moon" in May. He emphasized the tremendous suffering endured by the Osage and acknowledged that these effects continue to impact them today. However, he expressed gratitude towards Martin Scorsese and his team for their work, stating that they have successfully restored trust and ensuring that it will not be broken again.

Despite facing criticism for its lengthy runtime of 3.5 hours, Scorsese remains hopeful that viewers will give the film the respect it deserves. In a recent interview with The Hindustan Times, he countered the criticism by pointing out that people can easily sit in front of a television for five hours and that theatergoers frequently spend 3.5 hours watching a performance without the ability to walk around. Scorsese emphasizes the importance of giving both the film and the art of cinema itself the respect they deserve.

He stated, "For Killers of the Flower Moon, it is best experienced in a movie theater. It's not necessarily a blockbuster, but rather a film that is meant to be enjoyed on a big screen. Other movies I've made may not have the same impact on a smaller screen. However, if a picture plays well on a smaller screen, that can also be intriguing. While Killers could be viewed on a small screen, in order to fully immerse yourself, it is recommended to set aside dedicated time to watch it."