MOVIE That I Just Saw. “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

“Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023, Apple TV+) epic/historical western crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese. Eric Roth and Mr Scorsese based their screenplay on the 2017 non-fiction book by David Grann. Set in 1920s Oklahoma, it focuses on a series of murders of Osage members and relations in the Osage Nation after oil was discovered on tribal land. The tribal members had retained mineral rights on their reservation, but a corrupt local political boss sought to steal the wealth.

       Elaboration of the backstory: The Osage Indian murders were a series of murders of Osage in Osage County, Oklahoma during the 1910s–1930s. Newspapers described the increasing number of unsolved murders and deaths among young adults as the "Reign of Terror.” Some 60 or more wealthy, full-blood Osage persons were reported killed from 1918 to 1931. Newer investigations indicate that other suspicious deaths during this time could have been misreported or covered-up murders, including those of individuals who were heirs to future fortunes. Further research has shown that the death toll may have been in the hundreds. 

       Compelling backdrop to this drama that centered on Mollie Burkhart (Lily Gladstone), member of an Osage family with rights to the oil-rich land; her husband Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), a World War I veteran with a confused disposition; and William King Hale (Robert De Niro), Ernest’s scheming uncle with obvious interest in the land, playing concerned politician and evil “mob boss” of sorts. 

       Many wanted Ms Gladstone to win the Oscar, which she didn’t (in favor of Emma Stone for “Poor Things”). Lily gave an inspiring, non-hysterical performance but I don’t think her work was enough for an Academy. Not this time. Mr DiCaprio is Mr DiCaprio, nothing new. But Mr De Niro’s villainous “politico/gangster” is a notch higher from his past bad old man deliveries. 

       What won me about “Killers…” is the grainy photography by veteran Rodrigo Prieto and production design by Jack Fish. The hues and shades are kneading as the horror in Oklahoma lands in those years. This time, I wasn’t distracted by dim lighting that seems to rule today’s cinema. In this project, it was imperative to the narrative. 🎥💻📽