In 2017, journalist and author, David Grann published a non-fiction book titled, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Back in the early 1920s, around the Prohibition Era when alcohol was illegal, oil tycoons gain wealth and the early days of law enforcement. Members of the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe, are murdered upon discovering oil on their land. This prompts the law to investigate. In 2016, a year prior to publication, Imperative Entertainment bought the rights to adapt Killers of the Flower Moon into a film. Martin Scorsese signed on to direct and his collaborators, Leonardo DiCaprio (my all-time favorite actor) & Robert De Niro carrying the film.
The film was delayed due to COVID-19 ensuring everybody remains healthy. Filming took place on April-October 2021. Jesse Plemons and Oscar winner, Brendan Fraser (one of my favorite actors) signed on in supporting roles. Nearly a year after filming, additional scenes were shot. Followed by Post-Production allowing every single detail polished.
Killers of the Flower Moon premiered at the “76th Cannes Film Festival” earning a nine-minute standing ovation. At first, the film was slated to open in select theaters. Luckily, it’s given a global release allowing movie goers to see it without waiting for it to stream on Apple TV Plus. Speaking of which, the film will stream in the aforementioned streaming service after its theatrical run is over. I’m so thrilled to share my thoughts this epic period historical drama. I also read the book.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m gonna let you in on a warning. If you’re gonna see the film, make sure you don’t buy a huge tub of popcorn and large coke. Eat around an hour or two early before you see it. I’m doing you a favor, preventing you from going to the restroom. Anyway, let’s get down to brass tacks.
Rich & Poor Aspects
Rich: Leonardo “Leo” DiCaprio & Robert “Bobby” De Niro both did an excellent job for their respective performances. Leo also served as an executive producer courtesy of his production company, Appian Way Productions. Another thing, Leo also ad-libbed most of his lines.
Fun Fact: Leo & Bobby first collaborated in “This Boy’s Life.” The exact same year “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” came out. 1993, my birth year.
Up-and-comer, Lily Gladstone did an excellent job for her performance.
Martin “Marty” Scorsese did a magnificent job directing. He also adapted and wrote the script with Eric Roth. Marty also makes a cameo appearance. He and Eric did extensive research to tell an authentic true story.
Other Cast Members such as Jesse Plemons, Brendan Fraser & John Lithgow all did a solid job for their respective performances.
The late Robbie Robertson (lead guitarist of The Band) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical and Visual Effects were heavily involved to recreate the 1920s.
Cinematography didn’t suffer from technical issues throughout.
Pacing didn’t feel slow. I was fully invested. Unlike “The Irishman,” it wasn’t a drab.
Marty mentioned the film’s running time is influenced by long movie like “Midsommar” & “Beau Is Afraid.”
Primary Themes are Greed, Wealth, Corruption, Racism, Truth and Justice. Each one’s handled carefully.
Near the end, the lives of prominent figures are revealed.
Poor: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Marty and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless epic as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Killers of the Flower Moon’s an overly long but brilliant film, but defiantly worth a watch. I’m used to binge-watching shows and playing video games 3-4 hours long. If you have nothing on your plate, go out and support this modern classic. What’s the longest film you have ever seen in your life? Mine’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Extended Edition. 4 Hours and 10 Minutes.
Killers of the Flower Moon’s a “Film of the Year” contender. Another 10/10 along with my other favorites of 2023 so far.
- Oppenheimer
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- John Wick: Chapter 4
- Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One
Awards Season’s my favorite time of the year regarding cinema. I’m stoked to see “Napoleon,” “Poor Things,” “The Boy and the Heron,” “May December,” “Maestro” & “The Bikeriders.” Which ones are you psyched for the most? Mine’s Poor Things. Emma Stone’s my fourth favorite actress.
In memory of the victims of Osage Native Americans who lost their lives from greedy crooks.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 