“I do love that money, Sir.”
Those words are uttered very early on in Killers of the Flower Moon by Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) as the returning WW1 veteran responds to his Uncle William Hale’s (Robert DeNiro) declaration that, “Money flows freely here now.”
Hale is referring to the Osage Nation of indigenous people who suddenly become some of the richest humans on Earth after oil is discovered underneath their land around the turn of the 20th century. As one might expect, that sudden fortune attracts a seedy assortment of shysters, swindlers, and hangers-on – the Kingpin of whom is Hale – hoping for their piece of the pie.
The plan by the white invaders was to murder and breed their way into the Osage community, and thus, become heirs to their oil riches. It’s actually a true story brought to light in David Grann’s 2017 bestseller and now adapted for the big screen by Eric Roth and Scorcese in Killers of the Flower Moon, an epic western crime saga in which the legendary director masterfully weaves the threads of love, greed, betrayal, and even murder, into a perfectly-realized cinematic event.
Set against the backdrop of the Osage people's tragic history – a history that is not only hard to believe, but one that is also difficult to comprehend that wasn’t more widely known until Grann’s book – the film sheds light on the Osage people's plight as they fall victim to the greed and brutality of the white men who moved to the area as drivers, businessmen, or workers in the oil fields.
The central plot, driven by William Hale's sinister agenda, is pure Scorcese. In fact, though the film might qualify as his first Western, it is unquestionably a Scorcese gangster flick through and through. Hale’s wicked plan to force Ernest into marrying a charmingly beautiful Osage woman named Mollie (Lily Gladstone, First Cow), and subsequently orchestrating the murder of her entire family to claim their wealth is an utterly chilling thought and is absolutely heartbreaking to watch unfold.
DeNiro’s two-faced Hale, now the unquestioned king in the county, is given the soft finish of a caring man looking out for the interests of the Osage people, all the while, literally plotting their extinction.
DiCaprio’s Burkhart is played as somewhat of a simpleton driven by greed but steered by confusion. DiCaprio, in his jaw-jutting scowl, is brilliant as the question of whether his Burkhart truly loves Mollie lingers throughout the film. Layers of intrigue and doubt are added as he confesses numerous times that his love for money surpasses his love for Mollie. But as the plot unfolds, we find ourselves constantly reevaluating our understanding of Ernest and the depth of his affections. This intricate dance of deceit and treachery is as gripping as it is shocking.
As the story unfolds, the sheer audacity of the white invaders who exploited the Osage people is laid bare, with Scorsese unflinchingly portraying their evil deeds. Whereas Grann’s book plays out as more of a mystery with Hoover’s newly-formed FBI G-men investigating the murders, with Scorcese’s version, there’s no attempt to hide their identities; instead, we watch them commit their heinous acts, making it all the more visceral and haunting.
Killers of the Flower Moon also stars Jesse Plemons as FBI agent White sent to investigate the murders, John Lithgow as Prosecutor Peter Leaward overseeing the trial, and Brendan Fraser as defense attorney W.S. Hamilton.
Killers of the Flower Moon is a bold and unapologetic cinematic triumph, again showcasing Scorsese's unparalleled storytelling skills and attention to detail. The film delves into a dark chapter of American history with honesty and courage, shedding light on the injustices suffered by the Osage people. It is a testament to the power of storytelling in the hands of a master director, and, even with its nearly 3 1/2 hour runtime, is worth every minute of your time. This epic journey of love, betrayal, and crime will leave you both shaken and moved.
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 206 mins
Director: Martin Scorcese
Writer: Eric Roth; Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio; Robert De Niro; Lily Gladstone
Genre: Drama | Western
Tagline: A Martin Scorcese Film.
Memorable Movie Quote: "I was, uh, sent down from Washington D.C. to see about these murders."
Theatrical Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Official Site:
Release Date: October 20, 2023
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Members of the Osage nation in the United States are murdered under mysterious circumstances in the 1920s, which sparks a major FBI investigation that involves J. Edgar Hoover.
