“The Struggle for Greatness: Unraveling the Ambitions of Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon'”

Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”: A Sobering Look at America’s Violent History

There’s a difference between a “long” film and an “epic” one, a distinction that Martin Scorsese’s latest offering, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” underscores. In this three-and-a-half-hour movie, derived from a true story and backed by Apple TV+, Scorsese delivers a powerful and sobering look at the wanton murder of Native Americans a century ago to obtain their oil money, while local authorities turned a blind eye.

A Painfully Earnest and Historically Accurate Depiction

Painfully earnest and committed to historical and cultural accuracy, Scorsese teams up with his longtime collaborator Robert De Niro, who joins him in what feels like a valedictory dance exposing America’s violent history. This film marks their sixth collaboration, and their partnership brings a sense of gravitas to the subject matter.

The real star of the film, however, is Lily Gladstone as Mollie Kyle, an Osage woman whose family is among the heirs to the oil riches. Gladstone delivers a strong and natural performance, despite the script’s gaps in her character development. She portrays the plight of the Osage Nation convincingly, representing the tragic consequences of their newfound wealth.

The Weak Link: Leonardo DiCaprio

Although DiCaprio has worked with Scorsese on multiple occasions, his portrayal of Ernest Burkhart, a character limited in emotional depth, falls short in giving the film the necessary heft to match its scope and scale. Ernest is a World War I veteran who arrives in Oklahoma with a desire to make money, and his marriage to an Osage woman offers him the quickest path to wealth. DiCaprio’s performance pales in comparison to Gladstone’s, and it serves as a reminder of his limitations as an actor.

A Cruel Dance of Manipulation and Greed

The film centers around the character of Bill Hale, played by De Niro, who sets his sights on gaining control of the Osage oil rights. He sees his nephew, Ernest, as another means to achieve this goal. As Ernest becomes embroiled in his uncle’s ruthless scheming, his love for Mollie complicates the already grim business at hand.

Scorsese constructs a narrative that takes its time chronicling the cascading series of events, allowing the audience to delve into a revelatory chapter of US history. Reference is made to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, providing crucial context and highlighting the brutality that people of color endured a century ago with little fear of punishment or reprisal.

An Intervention from the FBI

Roughly two-thirds into the film, the narrative takes a shift as the nascent FBI makes an appearance, introducing themselves as the Bureau of Investigation. This visit finally brings the possibility of justice and punishment, injecting a renewed sense of urgency and direction into the story. One can’t help but wish the FBI’s involvement had been introduced earlier, as it adds a much-needed turning point.

Scorsese’s Streaming Phase: Mixed Results

After directing a string of great films, Scorsese’s foray into the streaming world has yielded mixed results. While his films still bear his unique visual style and storytelling prowess, they often lack the epic quality that distinguished his earlier works. “Killers of the Flower Moon” falls into this category, with its strengths undermined by a few weaknesses.

It is worth noting that “Killers of the Flower Moon” will receive a wide big-screen launch, including screenings in hundreds of IMAX theaters. Although the film’s qualities as a handsome period drama don’t necessarily demand the format, the decision to release it on such a grand scale adds a sense of bigness that aligns with Scorsese’s artistic goals.

A Dark History with Less Impact

“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a movie that delves into the dark corners of American history but ultimately falls short of leaving a lasting impact. Despite its somber subject matter, the film struggles to strike a balance between epic storytelling and historical accuracy. While it is commendable that Scorsese and his team aimed for authenticity, the emotional connection with the characters and the weight of their struggles are somewhat diminished.

In a time when discussions about historical accuracy and representation are at the forefront of the film industry, Scorsese’s film can serve as a reminder that filmmakers must strike a delicate balance between staying true to history and delivering an emotionally resonant story.

Conclusion

As “Killers of the Flower Moon” prepares to premiere in theaters and later stream on Apple TV+, it faces the challenge of living up to Scorsese’s reputation as a master filmmaker. While the film presents an important chapter in American history and boasts standout performances, it falls short of achieving the epic status associated with Scorsese’s best works. Nevertheless, it serves as a somber reminder of the violent past that shaped the nation and a testament to the necessity of telling these stories on the big screen.

As audiences and filmmakers continue to grapple with questions of historical accuracy and representation, perhaps Scorsese’s streaming phase can serve as a valuable lesson. We must critically analyze the balance between authenticity and emotional impact, ensuring that stories of historical significance resonate with audiences far beyond their initial release.