Scorsese's Movie Trend: A Risk for Killers of the Flower Moon

The Unwanted Scorsese Trend

Killers of the Flower Moon, Martin Scorsese's latest picture, is generating acclaim but also faces a risk of repeating an unwanted trend seen in a previous Scorsese film. Based on the book by David Grann, the movie delves into the systematic slayings of the Osage Native Americans for their wealth, offering a gripping three-and-a-half-hour epic drama that meditates on the sheer power of human will through insurmountable odds. Featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, the movie is both gripping and lengthy, giving viewers much to ponder.

Robert De Niro as an elderly Frank Sheeran grimaces inside a retirement community in The Irishman.

Despite its acclaim, the movie has received criticism for its runtime and depictions of sensitive events. However, it is still expected to perform well at the upcoming 96th Academy Awards, with Lily Gladstone's performance potentially making Oscars history. Nevertheless, there's a looming concern of it following a bad Scorsese trend, similar to what was observed with The Irishman.

Lily Gladstone as Molly Burkhart smiles in Killers of the Flower Moon.

The Risk of Zero Oscars Wins

The Irishman, despite critical acclaim, failed to secure any Academy Awards. Now, Killers of the Flower Moon, despite being set in a different time period and covering different subjects, faces a similar risk. The movie's runtime, bleak subject matter, and underperformance at the box office may hinder its chances at the Oscars. The Irishman's unconvincing de-aging effects, violence, and lengthy runtime were seen as barriers to its Oscars success, and these criticisms may also impact Killers of the Flower Moon.

However, Lily Gladstone's performance and the movie's screenplay are noted as potential saving graces. Gladstone's portrayal of Mollie Burkhart has been consistently praised, and the screenplay has been commended for its authenticity and focus on little-known subjects. Despite this, the movie faces strong competition, particularly from Emma Stone's acclaimed performance in Poor Things.

Gladstone's Oscar Prospects

Lily Gladstone's performance as Mollie Burkhart has been a standout element of Killers of the Flower Moon. Her commitment to authenticity in portraying the Osage Native American character has garnered consistent praise since the movie's release. This, along with the screenplay's dedication to authenticity and its spotlight on lesser-known subjects, presents a strong case for potential Oscar wins. However, competition from standout performances, such as Emma Stone's in Poor Things, adds complexity to the movie's award prospects. The pattern observed in Scorsese's The Irishman suggests that Killers of the Flower Moon could be vulnerable to a similar fate at the Oscars.