Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemmons
Released 2023, Rated R, 3 hr 26 min runtime
Few filmmakers can adapt a book like the iconic Martin Scorsese. Killers of the Flower Moon is no exception; sporting an ensemble cast of phenomenal actors, it’s undoubtedly a great film that explores a deep and dark chapter of America's history. That being said, when we place it within the context of Scorsese's unmatched career, it has big shoes to fill. Does it keep up with adaptations past? Joining the ranks of Raging Bull, Shutter Island, Casino, and many more, Killers of the Flower Moon makes itself known as one of the best films in recent memory, yet not Scorsese’s magnum opus.
We all know Martin Scorsese for his unparalleled storytelling, and Killers of the Flower Moon showcases his prowess in guiding audiences through deep and rich narratives. The tone of the film is perfect. Scorsese immerses viewers in the historical setting and captures the frightening paranoia surrounding the Osage murders. Scorsese's attention to detail is remarkable and a staple for the film legend.
Scorsese's direction, while highly competent and engaging, doesn't offer the same deep and easy level of connection as films like Goodfellas or Raging Bull. In those films you really feel like you know those characters. In Killers of the Flower Moon, there seems to be some sort of barrier. It may be out of Scorsese's hands entirely. Perhaps it's how very real the story is and the impact it has on viewers, a byproduct of telling this story with as much truth as possible.
The film's cinematography is visually striking, showcasing the breathtaking Oklahoma landscape and the importance of the land that is so essential to the film's narrative. The use of natural lighting and the ability to convey a perfect mood is to die for. However, it's nothing too new. Tried and true to cinematic perfection, but it's all been done before. Scorsese has gambled with more experimental shots in the past on films like Taxi Driver. In my opinion, the cinematography is effective, but not innovative.
The cast of Killers of the Flower Moon is exceptional. As much of a trope the ensemble cast has become in recent years, it rarely fails. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro deliver solid performances, as usual for them both when paired with Scorsese, and Lily Gladstone is near undisputed in her run for an Oscar this year with her exceptional performance as Mollie Burkhart. DiCaprio's portrayal of Ernest Burkhart is emotionally charged and nuanced. DiCaprio, however, doesn't quite reach the transformative brilliance we see in Robert De Niro's performance as William Hale. De Niro is horrifically evil in this role. No other way to put it.
Killers of the Flower Moon, impactful and important as ever, when measured against Martin Scorsese's extraordinary body of work becomes clearly weaker than some others. Scorsese's direction, and the strong performances from the cast create a compelling and well-crafted historical drama, but they don’t build a connection with the audience or push the boundaries in the way that some of Scorsese's previous films have. While Killers of the Flower Moon is unquestionably worth watching and in the upper echelon of Scorsese’s immense catalog, the director's most exceptional work remains in his other celebrated films… or yet to come.