Killers of the flower moon

Killers of the Flower Moon is a large-scale fresco, retracing the tragedy experienced by the Osage Indians. Martin Scorsese directs both an epic western and a film noir about a mafia family. He adapts the book of the american journalist David Grann, an investigation about a serie of murders of Osage Indians, wealthy owners of oil lands, in the 1920s. Martin Scorsese adapts this story, refocusing it around the love story between Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo Di Caprio), back home after the 1914-18 war, and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), a rich Osage Indian.

Lily Glastone is the revelation of this film, brilliantly embodying this reserved, dignified woman, in a very emotional role. Robert de Niro also delivers a great performance in the role of Ernest's uncle, a patron politician who is in reality just an unscrupulous assassin. Finally Leonardo di Caprio plays the stupid nephew who is blinded by his stupidity. Certainly, the face he composes is not very expressive, but in his defense, his character is not a light.

Martin Scorsese composes shots designed for the big screen by their scale. He takes the time to develop the characters, to introduce us to the culture of the Osage Indians. The historical reconstitution is great. Little by little, the film sinks into darkness and dramas. The relaunch of the action takes place with the arrival of an FBI team. It was the beginning of this institution, under the direction of J Edgar Hoover. The ending is surprising.
Martin Scorsese here fulfills a duty to remember a forgotten story and creates a great movie.

Killers of the Flower Moon
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Screenplay by Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese
Based on Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Produced by Dan Friedkin, Daniel Lupi, Martin Scorsese, Bradley Thomas
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Brendan Fraser, John Lithgow
Cinematography : Rodrigo Prieto
Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
Music by Robbie Robertson
Production companies : Apple Studios, Imperative Entertainment, Sikelia Productions, Appian Way Productions
Distributed by Apple TV+, Paramount Pictures
Release dates : May 20, 2023 (Cannes), October 18, 2023 (France), October 20, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 206 minutes

Seen on October 17, 2023 at UGC Normandie, Room 01

Sabine's Mark:

Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, is an ambitious and monumental exception in the world of Hollywood filmmaking. It delves deep into a dark chapter of American history, offering a vivid and immersive portrayal of the insidious forces of settler-colonialism, greed, and white supremacy that gripped the Osage people in 1920s Oklahoma. This film, based on David Grann's acclaimed 2017 book, is a cinematic masterpiece that not only sheds light on a little-known part of history but also confronts the audience with the brutal realities of the Indigenous experience in America.

The movie unfolds in Osage County, Oklahoma, where the Osage tribe found themselves in possession of immense wealth due to the discovery of vast oil reserves on their lands. Within two decades, the Osage people became some of the wealthiest individuals in the world per capita. Their newfound riches attracted hordes of white settlers, oilmen, and fortune-seekers, leading to a bizarre inversion of the typical frontier narrative. White individuals flocked to Osage towns seeking employment as menial laborers in service to the wealthy Osage, a far cry from the usual portrayal of white cowboys as the vanguard of civilization in traditional Westerns.

However, this era of prosperity for the Osage was short-lived, as a series of mysterious deaths began to plague the tribe. Some deaths seemed natural, while others were unmistakably murders. The local law enforcement displayed little interest in investigating these crimes. Mollie Burkhart (portrayed sensationally by Lily Gladstone), a full-blood Osage woman married to her white former chauffeur, Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), took it upon herself to seek justice. She journeyed to Washington D.C. to involve the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the fledgling federal law enforcement agency that would later become the FBI. The federal investigation unearthed a horrifying and macabre truth: the Osage murders were part of a systematic conspiracy orchestrated by local white elites, particularly the self-proclaimed King of the Osage, William Hale, who aimed to marry into Osage families, eliminate their heirs, and transfer their oil wealth to whites.

Martin Scorsese's direction in Killers of the Flower Moon is impeccable. He skillfully captures the essence of the era, immersing the audience in the final days of the Old West. Model Ts traverse unpaved, muddy streets, speakeasies line the roads, and oil derricks loom over the untamed landscapes. Scorsese's commitment to historical accuracy is evident, with meticulous attention to detail in costumes, set design, and cinematography. The film authentically portrays the Osage people's culture, offering a refreshing departure from traditional Hollywood portrayals.

Scorsese's storytelling prowess shines in this epic. The film's lengthy runtime, spanning almost three and a half hours, might seem daunting, but Scorsese's ability to maintain a captivating pace ensures that viewers remain engaged throughout. The script, written by Scorsese and Eric Roth, seamlessly weaves multiple plotlines and characters, creating a narrative that holds the audience's attention.

The performances in Killers of the Flower Moon are a testament to the cast's talent. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro deliver remarkable and transformative performances as Ernest Burkhart and William Hale, respectively. Their portrayals of these loathsome characters are hauntingly convincing, showcasing the extent of their talent. Lily Gladstone's Mollie Burkhart is the emotional heart of the story, adding depth and humanity to the film. The ensemble cast, including Indigenous actors in prominent roles, further bolsters the film's authenticity.

The movie confronts the audience with the harsh realities of settler-colonialism and white supremacy during that era. It portrays the white characters as invasive and voracious, devouring and destroying everything in their path for venal motives. Scorsese's portrayal justifies the focus on white characters by highlighting their role as an invasive species, preying on the Osage for their wealth.

Killers of the Flower Moon is not a traditional Hollywood film. It is a profound exploration of history, a dark chapter that many Americans are unfamiliar with. It takes a sordid and incredible story and transforms it into an unforgettable cinematic experience. The film challenges the audience to reckon with the sins on which the United States was built and the ongoing consequences of settler-colonialism. The final scenes, set against the backdrop of a radio program, serve as a poignant reminder of how nonwhite groups are often sidelined in their own stories, as white saviors are glorified.

Killers of the Flower Moon is a cinematic triumph that provides a necessary and unprecedented exploration of settler-colonialism and the Indigenous experience. Martin Scorsese's direction, the exceptional performances of the cast, and the film's commitment to historical accuracy elevate it to an unforgettable and haunting masterpiece. This is a must-see movie that reminds us of the power of storytelling in preserving history and confronting the present. It is a stark and timely lesson on the relentless and cruel nature of settler-colonialism and the resilience of Indigenous people.

Killers of the Flower Moon
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Screenplay by Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese
Based on Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Produced by Dan Friedkin, Daniel Lupi, Martin Scorsese, Bradley Thomas
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Brendan Fraser, John Lithgow
Cinematography : Rodrigo Prieto
Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
Music by Robbie Robertson
Production companies : Apple Studios, Imperative Entertainment, Sikelia Productions, Appian Way Productions
Distributed by Apple TV+, Paramount Pictures
Release dates : May 20, 2023 (Cannes), October 18, 2023 (France), October 20, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 206 minutes

Seen on October 17, 2023 at Gaumont Disney Village, Room 4 seat A18

Mulder's Mark: