Martin Scorsese's Epic 'Killers of the Flower Moon': A Masterpiece Deserving Every Minute

Martin Scorsese believes that audiences will willingly watch his new three-and-a-half-hour film, Killers of the Flower Moon, despite our tendency to binge-watch. In an interview with The Hindustan Times, the 80-year-old director stated, "People say it's three hours, but let's be real. We can sit in front of the TV for five hours, and there are theatergoers who watch performances that run for 3.5 hours where you can't just get up and walk around. We should give cinema the same level of respect."

While he is not incorrect, many individuals happily indulge in several hours of television by pressing play on the next episode from the comfort of their own homes, pausing when necessary. However, after a theatrical release beginning on October 20, Killers of the Flower Moon will eventually be available for viewing on Apple TV+. Nevertheless, Scorsese discourages audiences from watching the film at home.

"For Killers of the Flower Moon, it should be experienced on the grand scale of the big screen," he advises. "Are we striving to create a blockbuster? No, we are crafting a film that deserves to be watched on the big screen. Perhaps other movies I have made would not require this preference. Sometimes, the strength of a picture is determined by its suitability for a smaller screen, which can be intriguing. Killers could be enjoyed on a smaller screen, but for a truly immersive experience, it is worth investing the time."

Killers of the Flower Moon is an engrossing western crime drama, inspired by actual events. It revolves around the captivating love story of Ernest Burkhart (portrayed by the talented Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (played by Lily Gladstone). However, their romance unfolds against a backdrop of unsettling occurrences - the mysterious murders of members belonging to the Osage Nation. These brutal killings coincide with the discovery of valuable oil reserves beneath their ancestral lands, instantly transforming them into millionaires.

Lily Gladstone and Martin Scorsese are seen behind the scenes of the highly anticipated film 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' set to premiere worldwide in theaters on October 20, 2023. Joining them in this epic production are Robert De Niro and Jesse Plemons, with the screenplay penned by Eric Roth and Scorsese, inspired by David Grann's bestselling book.

Killers of the Flower Moon is slightly shorter than Scorsese's previous film, The Irishman, which had a runtime of three hours. Similarly, his 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street was also a three-hour long experience. Not since Mean Streets in 1977 has Scorsese released a movie in theaters that was under two hours. Back in May, Scorsese defended the lengthy 206-minute runtime of Killers of the Flower Moon when it was first announced.

"To the potential audience who appreciate such content, I urge you to make a personal commitment. Your life will undoubtedly be enriched. This is indeed a unique and outstanding film. I have bestowed it upon you, so I implore you to make the decision to visit a theater and experience it firsthand. By spending an evening or an afternoon with this captivating picture, its compelling story, and its relatable characters, you will gain valuable insights about our present world - more than you might even anticipate."