“Killers of the Flower Moon” Shines in All Its Splendor
Excitement reaches a crescendo as the second trailer for Martin Scorsese’s epic Western, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” hits screens. The film, featuring acclaimed actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, wowed audiences at the Cannes Film Festival and left a lasting impression. With a runtime surpassing three hours and an estimated production cost of $200 million, this ambitious masterpiece is set to be a highlight of the year.
Fresh from the film’s debut at Cannes, where it garnered rave reviews, the second trailer brings viewers deeper into the world of “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Apple, the studio behind the project, released the teaser trailer in May, building anticipation for this highly-anticipated historical crime drama.
Now, with the full-length trailer, fans are treated to a glimpse of the violent tale woven by Scorsese and co-writer Eric Roth, depicting murders and mayhem within Oklahoma‘s Osage Nation during the 1920s, following the discovery of oil on tribal lands.
Set against the backdrop of 1920s northeastern Oklahoma, the film delves into a period when the Osage Nation’s newfound wealth from oil attracted outsiders hungry for riches. However, this alluring fortune soon takes a sinister turn as Native Americans fall victim to mysterious killings.
Prompted by these gruesome events, a Texas Ranger and the Bureau of Investigation (a precursor to the FBI) are called in to investigate the deaths. Led by a young J. Edgar Hoover, they uncover a web of deceit, greed, and corruption plaguing the Osage Nation.
The film’s premiere at Cannes Film Festival on May 20 created quite a stir, with a standing ovation and cheers for Scorsese, who, at 80 years old, made his long-awaited return to the prestigious festival after 1985’s “After Hours.” The red carpet event boasted a dazzling array of stars, including luminaries like Cate Blanchett, Salma Hayek, Paul Dano, and Isabelle Huppert, further adding to the buzz surrounding the film.
Audiences eagerly await the release of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” scheduled to hit select theaters on October 6, followed by a wide release on October 20. While the film will eventually be available for streaming on Apple+, the exact date has yet to be announced. With such anticipation building, viewers around the world are eagerly counting down the days until they can witness Scorsese’s grand vision on the big screen.
The cast of “Killers of the Flower Moon” reads like a who’s who of Hollywood’s finest, featuring an ensemble of Oscar winners. Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the role of Ernest Burkhart, an Oklahoma man who marries Mollie, a member of the wealthy Osage family portrayed by Lily Gladstone. Robert De Niro, another legendary figure in the industry, portrays William Hale, a local power player entangled in the unfolding drama. Jesse Plemons, known for his remarkable performances, plays Tom White, a former Texas Ranger assigned to investigate the murders. The talented Brendan Fraser, fresh off his Academy Award win for “The Whale,” adds his prowess to the film as Hale’s corrupt attorney.
Reviews of “Killers of the Flower Moon” have been overwhelmingly positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts a stellar 97% “fresh” approval rating based on 64 reviews. Manohla Dargis of The New York Times described the film as “shocking, at times crushingly sorrowful, a true-crime mystery that in its bone-chilling details can make it feel closer to a horror movie.” David Ehrlich of IndieWire praised DiCaprio’s performance, hailing it as “the best of his entire career.” Ehrlich commended Scorsese for crafting a story that delves into themes of greed, corruption, and the dark underbelly of a nation built on ruthless ambition.
David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter applauded the film’s lengthy runtime, stating that it was fully justified in its gripping portrayal of an escalating tragedy. Rooney praised the screenplay, direction, cinematography, score, and the exceptional performances of the cast, particularly highlighting Lily Gladstone’s outstanding portrayal.
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian hailed “Killers of the Flower Moon” as an “epic of creeping, existential horror” that captures the birth of the American century. He described it as a macabre tale of quasi-genocidal serial killings, emphasizing the film’s ability to grip audiences with its haunting narrative.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is based on the eponymous 2017 nonfiction book by journalist David Grann. The book became a New York Times bestseller and a National Book Award finalist, captivating readers with its investigation into the complex plot to eliminate Osage people linked to the valuable oil deposits found on their land. Grann explores the FBI’s involvement in investigating the murders, as well as the legal and criminal battles that unfolded in the wake of the crimes. While official records indicate that 20 Osage victims were killed, Grann suspects that the true number may extend into the hundreds.
As the release date of “Killers of the Flower Moon” draws near, audiences eagerly await the opportunity to immerse themselves in Scorsese’s visually stunning and narratively gripping tale. With its star-studded cast, compelling story-line, and the visionary direction of Martin Scorsese, this Western epic promises to be a cinematic experience of unparalleled grandeur. Get ready to witness history unfold on the silver screen as “Killers of the Flower Moon” takes us on a dark and captivating journey through a chilling chapter in American history.