Unveiling Martin Scorsese's Epic Masterpiece: Killers of the Flower Moon
Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon falls short of being truly epic, despite its lengthy runtime This second three-and-a-half-hour film based on a true story, backed by a streaming service eager for prestige, fails to capture the grandeur it aims for
There is a distinction between "long" and "epic" in movies, although they are often confused. Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," his second consecutive three-and-a-half-hour film based on a true story and supported by a prestigious streaming service, falls into the former category rather than the latter. Apple TV+ takes over from Netflix, which previously gave Scorsese creative control with "The Irishman." The outcome shares similar flaws but is less pronounced in its strengths, presenting a harsh and somber depiction of the ruthless killings of Native Americans for their oil wealth a century ago, while local authorities turned a blind eye.
Scorsese, driven by his dedication to historical and cultural accuracy, collaborates with long-time friend Robert De Niro, as well as newer friends, to present a poignant exploration of America's violent past. "Flower Moon" marks Scorsese's sixth collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio, who, while limited in his character's depth, falls short of matching the film's grandeur and emotional weight. However, it is Lily Gladstone's portrayal of Mollie Kyle, an Osage woman whose family reaped immense wealth from the oil industry but suffered immeasurable consequences, that shines as the true star. Her natural performance is hindered by gaps in the character development, as the script leans towards an earnest tone.
Despite presenting himself as a friend to the Osage Nation, Bill Hale (portrayed by De Niro), the prominent figure in town, has a hidden agenda of taking control of the oil rights. He views his nephew, Ernest Burkhart (played by DiCaprio), as a potential pawn to achieve this goal. After returning from World War I, Ernest is determined to accumulate wealth in Oklahoma, and marrying an Osage woman appears to be the fastest route to prosperity. Both sides involved in this complex equation are well aware of the power dynamics at play.
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Despite Mollie's sober mindset, she is strangely unable to resist Ernest's charm. Initially, he chauffeurs her in his cab, but eventually, he starts to woo her. Amidst their grim circumstances, Ernest develops genuine feelings for Mollie, all the while assisting his uncle in ruthless schemes to dispose of anyone who poses a threat to their pursuit of wealth.
Scorsese constructs the film alongside Eric Roth, who shares screenplay credit, as they adapt David Grann's book. The film gradually unveils a series of events, serving as a revelatory chapter in US history for many. Providing context, a reference is made to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, highlighting the brutality endured by people of color a century ago, largely without consequences.
Approximately two thirds into the film, the possibility of justice finally emerges with the arrival of the early FBI (known as the Bureau of Investigation) and an agent portrayed by Jesse Plemons. This shift in the narrative proves helpful and one can't help but wish they had introduced him earlier.
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Scorsese's streaming phase has yielded movies that surpass the average quality, possibly due to the focus on the director's reputation and the star power he attracts, rather than solely the finished product.
One film that stands out is "Killers of the Flower Moon," which will receive a grand big-screen release, including screening on numerous Imax screens. Similar to the lengthy and substantial "Oppenheimer," this visually stunning period drama doesn't necessarily require the format, but it certainly amplifies its grandeur, which was undoubtedly the intention.
"Oppenheimer" unquestionably proved that audiences were willing to endure such an experience, although it seems to be more of an outlier. Nevertheless, Scorsese's latest film delves into a grim chapter of history and fails to deliver the desired impact for its cost.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" is set to debut in US theaters on October 20 and will subsequently be available on Apple TV+. The film is classified as rated R. (Disclaimer: It should be noted that Lowry's spouse is employed by a division of Apple.)
