Adapted from a real-life series of crimes that occurred in 1920s Oklahoma, "Killers of the Flower Moon" is a chilling tale brought to life by the visionary director Martin Scorsese. It features a star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Brendan Fraser, and delves into one of America's darkest chapters—the reign of terror. After its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation lasting a remarkable 9 minutes, this film is poised to make waves at the Oscars!
The Osage people, who struck oil on their land, became one of the wealthiest Native American tribes worldwide, attracting hordes of white individuals eager to marry Osage women and gain legal access to the oil wealth. Nevertheless, this sudden wealth also ushered in a string of peculiar deaths, shedding light on the darker facets of human behavior and revealing a grim history of murder.
Adapted from Real Events and Reconstructed
The story is based on a non-fiction book by American journalist David Grann. Director Martin Scorsese, with his affinity for crime thrillers, is no stranger to the genre. Following the success of films like "Goodfellas," "Gangs of New York," "The Wolf of Wall Street," and "The Irishman," he once again explores human greed and selfishness, unveiling a lesser-known facet of human nature. Despite the extensive source material, with over 350 pages of historical facts, the director masterfully condenses this incredibly painful dark history. He also brought in Osage consultants to provide precise historical details. This approach not only leads the audience to a deeper understanding of this history but also conveys respect for all the victims.
While the novel is narrated from the perspective of a police officer, tracing a series of mysterious murders in 1920s Osage, the film takes a different angle. It deviates from the usual detective mystery setup and, by adopting the perspective of the "killers," reshapes the narrative into a gripping crime thriller. This not only showcases the director's narrative expertise but also allows the audience to explore the multi-faceted aspects of this chain of crimes from a third-person perspective, making what might have been a conventional crime story incredibly captivating and laden with layers of exploration. The narrative focuses on this, connecting seemingly isolated deaths to reveal a hidden web of conspiracy, revealing the dark side of human nature, and indirectly illustrating the rise of the FBI.
The Osage's Black Gold Miracle and Curse
When contemplating this chapter of American history, the trajectory of the Osage people encapsulates remarkable triumphs juxtaposed with devastating tragedies. When the U.S. government repeatedly ordered the Osage to move, they intended to seize the fertile land the Osage originally inhabited. Ultimately, they were pushed to Osage, Oklahoma, a barren and desolate region. Ironically, beneath this wilderness that white settlers had scorned, a rich reserve of oil lay buried. A nineteenth-century agreement with the government guaranteed the Osage the rights to the land's natural resources. So, whoever extracted oil on Osage land received royalties and rights, making the Osage an American Indian legend and propelling them to the wealthiest tribe in America. However, with the newfound wealth, a curse emerged, as murder reared its ugly head. To the Osage, oil was both a God-given gift and a curse sown by the devil.
Upon the oil discovery, a wave of white outsiders descended upon Osage, ostensibly showing regard for the tribe while being solely motivated by personal gain. Many married Osage women to gain "headlights" to the oil concessions, securing tremendous wealth. Some went to darker extremes, secretly committing murders to expedite the acquisition of these rights. This led to a series of bizarre murder cases, with victims being shot, poisoned, or even blown up along with their houses. The threat of death loomed constantly over the Osage. The film brutally exposes the hypocrisy and cunning of human nature and portrays the chilling and merciless actions of people, leaving one to wonder who the real savages are.
The Greed and Blind Obedience of Human Nature
The film takes its time, running for a full three and a half hours, to narrate the history of these murders, but it remains engaging throughout. This is a testament to the director's storytelling prowess. It immerses the audience in the atmosphere of the film, delving deep into the psyche of the main characters. The film doesn't rely on suspense or cliff-hangers but centers on the perpetrators themselves. It systematically reveals the entire chain of events, offering insight into the evolving mentality of the characters. We witness the transition of a young, ambitious individual, with dreams and ideals, as he gets ensnared in his uncle's plot. Slowly but surely, he forsakes his own identity and consciousness, becoming an empty vessel enslaved by money. The "wolf of the land" in the movie is a metaphor for greed. Those chasing black gold interests, be it businesses or politicians, resemble wolves drawn by the scent of blood. They discard their morality and humanity for the sake of wealth, becoming empty shells consumed by their pursuit of gain.
Ironically, the protagonist isn't a criminal mastermind or a genius but rather a common man who obediently carries out the orders of authority figures. It's his blind obedience, his willingness to relinquish his judgment, that allows him to be manipulated and brainwashed. As a result, the lines of morality blur, leading him down a path where he becomes a pawn in heinous acts. He believes he is doing good by following orders, but this blind obedience becomes his excuse for evading moral responsibility. The film underscores not only the ugliness of human nature but also the frightening consequences of blind conformity. In a setting where both individuals and the system are corrupted, society festers like a tumor.
Oscar-Worthy Complex Performances
Two central characters in the film, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio engage in a captivating duet, marking the first time these two cinematic giants have shared the screen in a Scorsese film. Robert De Niro, famous for his portrayal of unforgettable villains, outdoes himself in this role. His character is a cunning and duplicitous figure, concealing his ruthless nature beneath a facade of kindness and charity. The portrayal of this character is chilling, as it reveals his capacity for malevolence concealed beneath a veneer of benevolence. He never soils his hands directly but uses manipulation and emotional blackmail to exert control, much like a cult leader indoctrinating his followers and making them carry out his bidding. This shadowy puppeteer not only orchestrates a series of murders but also cleverly eliminates investigators, underscoring the character's malevolence.
Leonardo's performance is nothing short of astounding, as he immerses himself entirely in his role. His facial expressions, reflecting the complex emotional journey of his character, are vivid and poignant. From confidence to foolishness, from confusion to mounting fear, and ultimately to profound regret, Leonardo brilliantly conveys the character's multifaceted emotions. Rumor has it that he handpicked this role, recognizing it as the most intricate character in the story. On the surface, he loves his family and his wife and daughter, but he also follows his uncle's orders and ruthlessly murders them. This internal conflict, bordering on a form of split personality, is masterfully portrayed by Leonardo, with his facial expressions and vocal inflections capturing the character's multifaceted nature. If Leonardo secures another Academy Award for this film, it will come as no surprise.
The other cast members also deliver exceptional performances. Lily Gladstone presents her character with wisdom and emotional depth, showcasing the character's anxieties regarding the bizarre murders and her feelings of betrayal. Her chemistry with Leonardo during their scenes is noticeable, capturing the emotional complexity of their ill-fated relationship. Despite having less screen time, Brendan Fraser delivers a commendable performance. However, Jesse Plemons, who portrays a police officer, has limited character development, and his role is somewhat one-dimensional, serving the film's narrative more as a tool.
A Niche yet Outstanding Subject Matter
"Killers of the Flower Moon" boasts a substantial novel and a vast narrative scope, but compared to "Oppenheimer," which deals with the history of nuclear development, its subject matter is more niche and lesser-known. The film introduces a multitude of characters whose relationships and backgrounds necessitate time for clarification. Its skillful use of a non-linear timeline requires audiences to adapt to the narrative structure and piece together the sequence of events. Initially, this might create some barriers for viewers. However, there's no need for excessive concern, as the director gradually and methodically provides background information, offering a riveting and smooth-flowing narrative that immerses audiences in the 1920s murder mystery. While the historical events may be heavy psychologically for the audience, the film is devoid of dramatic climaxes or suspense-driven developments. Early on, the audience becomes aware of the mastermind behind the crimes, eliminating the element of a mystery regarding the identity of the killer and the dramatic tension of a confrontation with the antagonist. This choice is deliberate and places emphasis on the darker aspects of human nature while portraying the tragedy and anguish of the Osage people.
On the technical front, the film employs various artistic techniques, such as dance sequences, freeze frames, and a vintage silent film-style documentary. These elements reinforce the film's historical atmosphere and artistic quality, imbuing every detail with texture. Rodrigo Prieto, the cinematographer who frequently collaborates with the director, showcases his classical camera work, featuring expertly composed and uncluttered shots, occasionally incorporating long takes to heighten dramatic tension and realism. Several over-the-shoulder shots contribute to the tense atmosphere during dialogues, maintaining a sense of distance between the audience and the characters. Thelma Schoonmaker, the film's editor, ensures that the movie, despite its lengthy runtime, maintains a seamless and immersive experience. Rather than becoming burdensome due to its duration, the film uses its length to explore the depth of its themes, leaving topics about race, human nature, power, and corruption deeply rooted in the audience's minds. Additionally, Robbie Robertson's musical score is perfectly fitting, featuring a raw and disconcerting soundscape that underscores the film's ominous atmosphere, enveloping the audience. Finally, the director himself offers a heartfelt apology for this historical episode, urging us to remember the lessons it provides and its profound significance.
In conclusion, Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," adapted from a non-fiction book, delves into the chain of mysterious murders that plagued 1920s Osage, Oklahoma. Spanning a compelling three and a half hours, the film concisely and skillfully portrays this grim chapter of history, systematically unravelling the storyline while delving deep into the mental state of the characters. It crafts not only a crime thriller but also offers an exploration of various facets of the plot, indirectly tracing the origins of the FBI. Through this story, the film allows the audience to bear witness to the wealth and curse brought by oil to the Osage people, exposing the insatiable greed and treacherous duplicity of human nature. Furthermore, it demonstrates the perils of blind obedience, as individuals forsake their moral responsibilities, fostering the growth of evil. The exceptional performances of the cast, especially Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, are a highlight of the film, and the depth of character they bring to their roles is awe-inspiring. While the historical subject matter is weighty and less known, and the film's length might seem daunting, it boasts a tight narrative, skilful storytelling, and a compelling atmosphere. "Killers of the Flower Moon" stands as a captivating masterpiece, deserving of careful consideration and appreciation due to its rich cinematography, sharp editing, and a fitting musical score.
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