Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing.
Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” clocks in as his longest film to date, spanning three hours and 26 minutes. Adapted from David Grann’s 2017 non-fiction work, the film delves into the 1920s Oklahoma backdrop, focusing on the harrowing narrative of Osage members falling victim to a string of homicides following the discovery of oil on the tribal land of the Osage Nation.
The film unveils a haunting narrative of greed, revealing how the pursuit of wealth permeated even the treatment of Native Americans, casting them as obstacles to prosperity.
The film, as mentioned above, was very long, but its measured pacing is matched by the exquisite acting from the cast, especially by DiCaprio, Gladstone, and De Niro. DiCaprio showcased his versatile talent, seamlessly transitioning between emotional states, while Lily Gladstone, portraying Mollie Burkhart, maintained a captivating idealism throughout her trials. Her understated portrayal effectively conveyed emotions without verbal expression. In my opinion, they all deserved an Oscar nod, and I’m very happy that Gladstone at least received acknowledgment.
Despite its length, the film remained engaging. However, the attention given to the antagonists left me feeling more contempt towards them than sorrow for the victims and their families.
Although I haven’t read the book yet, I’m certainly intending to explore it thoroughly for a deeper understanding of this tragic event.
This film is an absolute must-watch for its grand depiction of a tragic yet often overlooked piece of history. The fact that it’s based on real events makes it all the more poignant, leaving audiences utterly heartbroken by the end.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Produced by: Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese, Daniel Lupi
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser
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