Killers of the Flower Moon

 

   Co-writer, producer and director Martin Scorsese has created a masterpiece. It is without a doubt an incredible work of film art and a towering achievement in an illustrious career.

    Working from the book by David Grann, Mr. Scorsese and his co-writer, Eric Roth tell the true story of  horrific crimes against the Osage people in 1920's Oklahoma. Oil was discovered on their land around that time and the Osage became some of the wealthiest people in the country. The land rights were passed down by generation from the Osage women and could eventually land in the hands of non-Osage relatives through marriage. Using this law, white men started marrying Osage women to share their wealth. During a multi-year period, many Osage were murdered for their land rights. This horrific crime is the basis of the film.

   To his credit, Mr. Scorsese met with current members of the Osage people to tell the story honestly from their perspective. He employed many Osage men and women, both as actors and as part of the crew. Already meticulously detailed, this lends an further air of authenticity and truth to the film. 

   Mr. Scorsese's direction is flawless on every level. The cinematography takes your breath away as do all the visuals. The costumes are amazing. From the Osage clothes to men's pajamas, just remarkably detailed. His actors fill the screen with many unrecognizable names but faces you will never forget. And speaking of actors, his three leads, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert DeNiro, and Lily Gladstone have all taken their craft to another level.

    This is the best acting Mr. DeNiro has done in years. For Mr. DiCaprio, it may be his finest role ever. Their scenes together are simply magic. Ms. Gladstone will break your heart with an incredible performance. Other familiar names include Jesse Plemons and in basically cameos, John Lithgow and Brendan Fraser. Mr. Scorsese makes an interesting choice to also employ many well known musicians in various roles. Jason Isbell has a key part as does Pete Yorn and if you look closely you will notice a few others. 

    Completed before his death, Robbie Robertson did the music for the film and the methodic beating rhythm underscores the growing tension of the story perfectly.

    There is some controversy regarding how Mr. Scorsese presents the film's epilog. Personally I had no problem with it and found it very original. The film runs long, three and a half hours but not one minute of film is wasted. It really should be seen on a big screen (IMAX if you can) but if the running time is an issue for you, it will be available on Apple + in a few weeks to watch at your leisure.

    This was a very dark period for the Osage and it was happening around the same time as the Tulsa riot, another stain in American history (which Mr. Scorsese briefly refers to). To bring this story to life in a dramatic and yet, entertaining way is such a credit to this master filmmaker. Expect to see double digit Oscar nominations.

    And as Robert DeNiro reminds us, "The front is the front and the back is the back". I loved that line.