Hold onto your hats, folks, because “Killers of the Flower Moon” is not your typical Western. This sprawling epic, directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, dives deep into a dark chapter of American history, exposing the greed, corruption, and violence that plagued the Osage Nation in the 1920s.
Now, I’ll admit, I had mixed feelings going into this one. Scorsese’s past controversies aside, I was intrigued by his passion for telling this story, even if it wasn’t his own cultural narrative to share. And let me tell you, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a powerful and haunting film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a nuanced performance as Ernest Burkhart, a World War I veteran who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder orchestrated by his uncle, William Hale (Robert De Niro). Lily Gladstone, a local PNW Native actress (yay!), shines as Mollie Burkhart, Ernest’s wife and a member of the Osage Nation.
The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the vast landscapes of Oklahoma and the stark beauty of the Osage reservation. The score is equally impressive, adding to the film’s haunting atmosphere and emotional depth.
But what truly sets “Killers of the Flower Moon” apart is its unflinching portrayal of historical injustice. The film exposes the systematic exploitation and murder of Osage Nation members who became wealthy after oil was discovered on their land. It’s a chilling reminder of the dark side of American history and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition.
Now, here’s where I get a little critical. While I appreciated the film’s overall message and powerful performances, I found the portrayal of Mollie and Ernest’s romance to be a bit… off. Mollie is depicted as a strong and independent woman, and it seemed out of character for her to fall for someone like Ernest, especially considering his involvement in the schemes against her people. The pacing of their romance felt rushed and disjointed, leaving me with a few “huh?” moments.
But despite this minor quibble, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a must-see. It’s a powerful and important film that sheds light on a dark chapter of American history and honors the resilience of the Osage Nation. And as someone with Native American heritage, this film resonated with me on a personal level, reminding me of the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition for Indigenous communities.
Now, let’s talk about those Oscars…
Despite receiving ten nominations, “Killers of the Flower Moon” sadly went home empty-handed. I was particularly bummed that Lily Gladstone didn’t win for Best Supporting Actress. Her performance was nuanced and powerful, and she deserved recognition for her portrayal of a strong Indigenous woman caught in the crosshairs of tragedy.
The film’s nominations were historic in their own right, though. It marked the first time a Native American woman was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and it was one of the few films to feature a predominantly Indigenous cast to be nominated for Best Picture.
While it didn’t win any awards, “Killers of the Flower Moon” made a significant impact on the cinematic landscape. It brought attention to a little-known chapter of American history and sparked important conversations about Indigenous rights and representation in film.
So, if you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and watch “Killers of the Flower Moon.” It’s a powerful and important film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. And hey, let’s continue to support Indigenous filmmakers and stories that amplify their voices and experiences. Because as we all know, representation matters, and it’s time for Hollywood to catch up!
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Watch or Order Killers of the Flower Moon here!
Rated: R (USA)
Runtime: 206 minutes
Release Date: May 20, 2023 (Cannes)
October 20, 2023 (United States)
My rating: 7.5 Mainasty Masterpieces
| Directed by | Martin Scorsese |
|---|---|
| Screenplay by | Eric Roth Martin Scorsese |
| Based on | Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann |
| Produced by | Dan Friedkin Bradley Thomas Martin Scorsese Daniel Lupi |
| Starring | Leonardo DiCaprio Robert De Niro Lily Gladstone |
| Cinematography | Rodrigo Prieto |
| Edited by | Thelma Schoonmaker |
| Music by | Robbie Robertson |
