Unveiling Scorsese's Surprising Decision: The Untold Story Behind the Trimmed Runtime of Killers Of The Flower Moon

Summary

Martin Scorsese had to cut down the runtime of Killers of the Flower Moon due to the story losing energy in the longer version.

The initial script exceeded 200 pages and had a strong resemblance to a "police procedural". However, it was condensed to ensure viewer involvement.

With a duration of 3 hours and 26 minutes, the film sets a record as one of DiCaprio and Scorsese's lengthiest projects.

The runtime of Killers of the Flower Moon had to be shortened by Martin Scorsese, despite the potential for it to be longer. The film features renowned actors such as Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Tantoo Cardinal, and Jesse Plemons. It delves into the FBI investigation of a series of mysterious murders within the Osage tribe. With a confirmed runtime of 3 hours and 26 minutes, Killers of the Flower Moon stands as one of DiCaprio and Scorsese's longest projects.

Scorsese recently discussed the need to reduce the runtime of Killers of the Flower Moon in an interview with The New Yorker. He mentioned that the initial script exceeded 200 pages in length. However, Scorsese felt that the extended version, resembling a "police procedural," lacked the necessary energy, prompting him and co-screenwriter Eric Roth to trim the substantial script.

Our script, which spanned over two hundred pages, was the focus of a significant reading one evening. In attendance were myself, Leo, Eric, and my daughter, along with several others. Initially, we made progress during the first two hours. However, as time went on, it became apparent that the story had lost its momentum. I was eager to delve further into the narrative, to explore various tangents, and to add more depth. It became evident that we lacked energy and struggled to maintain the audience's interest.

Upon the arrival of these individuals from Washington, the atmosphere changed dramatically. It was as though everyone already knew who the culprit was just by looking at them. Bob De Niro, for instance, was instantly recognizable. The audience was far ahead of us in terms of unraveling the mystery. I realized that if we continued with a straightforward police procedural, it would involve watching these characters for two and a half hours, searching for clues. While this approach may work in a book, it didn't translate well to the screen. I, personally, am not skilled in crafting such plots or knowing where to make strategic script edits. This left us in quite a predicament. We attempted many times to find a solution, but encountered numerous obstacles along the way.

Killers Of The Flower Moon Still Has a Massive 3.5 Hour Runtime

The theatrical release of Killers of the Flower Moon is a condensed version, with a runtime of 3 hours and 26 minutes. This makes it Scorsese's second-longest film, just three minutes shorter than his 2019 epic The Irishman. Scorsese's longest film to date is his 1999 documentary My Voyage to Italy, which is an impressive 4 hours and 6 minutes long.

Scorsese had to make various changes to the script of Killers of the Flower Moon, including slimming it down. DiCaprio played a pivotal role in helping Scorsese uncover the emotional core of the story, which revolves around the Osage people. Instead of focusing on the procedural aspects involving mostly white men, the film takes a progressive approach to Native American representation.

If the Killers of the Flower Moon trailers are any indication, the crime drama appears to have found its momentum in the final cut. Scorsese, as demonstrated in The Irishman, has the ability to keep audiences engaged even throughout a lengthy runtime. Despite the initial fear of a 3.5-hour runtime, it benefits Killers of the Flower Moon by presenting the story in a fresh perspective and slowly unveiling the conspiracy at hand.

Source: The New Yorker