Exploring Martin Scorsese’s Upcoming Film “Killers of the Flower Moon”: What We Know So Far

Examining Martin Scorsese’s Upcoming Film, “Killers of the Flower Moon”

Overview

Martin Scorsese’s upcoming film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” has left audiences eagerly awaiting its release. Based on David Grann’s nonfiction book of the same name, the film is an adaptation that follows the infamous murders of Osage tribe members during the Roaring ’20s.

At the time, the Osage people were among the wealthiest in the world due to the oil deposits found on their land. William Hale, a local white cattleman, and others conspired to murder over 60 Osage people in an attempt to seize their wealth. The newly formed FBI investigated the murders, culminating in Hale’s eventual conviction.

Focusing on the Mindset of Murderers

While the original script for “Killers of the Flower Moon” followed FBI agent Tom White, Scorsese and lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio wanted to steer clear of the white savior narrative trope. Consequently, the film centers on Ernest Burkhart, played by DiCaprio, a white man who is actively involved in the murders of Osage people while married to Mollie, his Osage wife.

According to DiCaprio, “the rise of the KKK and white supremacy and this clash of cultures” during that period contributed to these heinous crimes. Scorsese wanted to highlight the institutional racism that allowed for these killings to go on for so long. He delves into the “mindset of the people who did this” to create a more complex story that examines the enablers of these crimes.

A Stacked Cast

With a budget of over $200 million, the film has garnered an outstanding cast, including DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Other notable actors featured are Oscar-winning Brendan Fraser, Indigenous actress Lily Gladstone, and Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons as FBI agent Tom White. Even Jack White of the White Stripes will make a small appearance in the film.

Release Date and Runtime

The film premieres on October 6, followed by a wide release in theaters on October 20. Apple will produce and back the theatrical release, meaning it will likely hit streaming soon afterward. The film will also show at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20.

The runtime for “Killers of the Flower Moon” is three hours and 26 minutes, making it longer than most feature films. However, Scorsese is known for creating exciting and engaging stories that even avid movie-watchers would enjoy.

Editorial and Advice

“Killers of the Flower Moon” demonstrates how institutional prejudice can lead to catastrophic results. Scorsese’s decision to center on the perspective of the murderers adds insight into how institutionalized racism works and how it could have occurred in the United States. It’s a distinctive and bold choice from the director, but not everyone may appreciate the reversal of focus in the film. An expectant audience should look forward to a unique and nuanced perspective on this tragic and harrowing tale.

For those interested in further exploring the topic of institutionalized racism, consider reading the original source text by David Grann, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI.”