The Untamed Epic: Martin Scorsese Unveils Killers Of The Flower Moon's Riveting Runtime

Summary

Director Martin Scorsese defends the lengthy runtime of Killers of the Flower Moon and emphasizes the importance of watching it on the big screen.

The filmmaker suggests that the length of long movies should not be a problem, given that people often binge-watch hours of TV at home and long theater productions are generally accepted. While the lengthy runtime of Killers of the Flower Moon may affect its box office performance, early reviews indicate that the film's duration is necessary to effectively convey its story.

Killers of the Flower Moon director, Martin Scorsese, stands behind the movie's extended duration. Based on author David Grann's book of the same name, Killers of the Flower Moon recounts true events from the 1920s, delving into the lives of significant individuals involved in the Osage Nation murders. The upcoming historical epic on Apple TV Plus, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, has been confirmed to run for an impressive three hours and 26 minutes.

In anticipation of the theatrical release of Killers of the Flower Moon later this month, Scorsese addresses the film's extensive length in an interview with Hindustan Times. Drawing a parallel to director James Cameron's statement about the lengthy runtime of Avatar: The Way of Water, Scorsese believes that the prevalence of binge-watching television series negates concerns about a movie's duration. Below is Scorsese's complete comment:

In the case of Killers of the Flower Moon, it is best experienced on the big screen. We are not aiming to create a blockbuster, but rather a film that deserves to be seen in a cinema. Other movies I have made may not have the same impact. At times, the strength of a picture lies in its ability to captivate on a smaller screen, which can be intriguing.

While Killers could be enjoyed on a small screen, truly immersing yourself in it requires dedicating the time. Some may argue that it is a three-hour film, but let's be honest, we can easily spend five hours in front of the TV watching something. Moreover, there are individuals who sit in a theater for 3.5 hours, respecting the presence of real actors on stage and committing to the experience without distraction. Let us appreciate and give cinema the respect it deserves.

Killers Of The Flower Moon's Long Runtime Explained

In terms of financial success, it is generally advantageous for a film to have a runtime of less than two and a half hours. A shorter runtime allows for more screenings per day at theaters and avoids alienating audiences who prefer shorter films. However, there are recent examples that indicate longer films can still be highly successful.

For instance, Avatar: The Way of Water has a runtime of three hours and 12 minutes, yet it currently holds the title of the third highest-grossing film of all time. Similarly, Oppenheimer, a three-hour historical drama, has surpassed $900 million in global revenue. Although it is unlikely that Scorsese's new film will reach the same level of success as Oppenheimer due to various factors, the star power of DiCaprio and De Niro may contribute to its moderate success.

The ideal duration of a film varies depending on the film itself and the necessary time to convey its narrative. Critiques of Killers of the Flower Moon have lauded the film as a work of art, indicating that its runtime is justified. Previews have hinted at the exploration of thought-provoking and historically important themes in the movie, and Scorsese is clearly optimistic that the extensive length will not dissuade audiences from watching Killers of the Flower Moon on the big screen.