Martin Scorsese, renowned for his captivating action-packed thrillers and riveting gangster epics, takes a daring departure from his usual genre and delves into the investigation of the murders of Native Americans in his latest film, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” This highly anticipated film had its preview in New York on Wednesday, leaving audiences captivated by its powerful portrayal of a dark period in American history.
Based on David Grann’s nonfiction book of the same name, “Killers of the Flower Moon” unravels the shocking true story of the murders and disappearances of members of the Osage Nation in the 1920s. These tragic events took place on the oil-rich lands of Oklahoma, a central US state. As the red carpet event at Manhattan’s Lincoln Center unfolded, Scorsese opened up about the film’s broad themes that touch upon a clash of cultures, misunderstandings, and a profound sense of entitlement.
Scorsese’s evocative storytelling takes viewers on a journey through time, shedding light on the harrowing crimes that transpired a century ago. In an effort to honor the authenticity of the story, Scorsese filmed on Oklahoma’s vast prairies, incorporating approximately 40 Osage Native Americans into the cast. This inclusion adds a layer of depth and voice to the narrative, allowing the audience to witness the impact of these crimes on the community directly affected by them.
The film boasts an extraordinary cast, with Leonardo DiCaprio taking on the role of Ernest Burkhart, a man entangled in a forbidden love affair with a Native American woman brilliantly portrayed by Lily Gladstone. As the story unfolds, Burkhart finds himself caught in a web of deceit orchestrated by the oil-hungry cattle magnate, William Hale, portrayed by the legendary Robert De Niro. To bring justice to the victims, an FBI agent, played by Jesse Plemons, is assigned to solve the intricate web of murders.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is poised to release in North American cinemas on October 20, before making its way to the Apple TV+ platform. Scorsese’s masterful direction and the stellar performances of the cast promise to immerse viewers in a world where violence and crimes transcend borders. Scorsese emphasizes that this story, though rooted in a specific time and place, reflects universal themes that have plagued societies throughout history.
The choice to tell this story in the current cultural climate signifies the importance of shedding light on dark chapters of history that have been too often overlooked or deliberately ignored. Scorsese believes that it is crucial to confront these uncomfortable truths and generate open dialogue. As a director known for tackling societal issues through his films like “Gangs of New York” and “Taxi Driver,” he understands the power of cinema in igniting conversations about the past to bring about a better future.
David Grann, the author of the original book, echoes Scorsese’s sentiments about the significance of this story. He emphasizes that the crimes depicted in “Killers of the Flower Moon” represent one of the most heinous acts of racial injustice committed by white settlers against Native Americans, exploiting their oil wealth. Grann delves into the core of the story, emphasizing the fusion of greed and the dehumanization of a people, which led to these genocidal crimes. He also highlights the erasure of the Osage Tribe’s history, and that of many Native Americans across the United States, from mainstream consciousness.
For Grann, the absence of this history from school curricula and public consciousness is deeply troubling. He laments the fact that he was never taught about these dark chapters in American history while growing up. However, he finds solace in the fact that President Joe Biden recently declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a national holiday, concurrently with the increasingly controversial celebration of Christopher Columbus. This recognition serves as a stepping stone towards raising awareness about the struggles faced by Native Americans and shedding light on their rich and complex past.
At the red carpet event, Geoffrey Standing Bear, the Principal Chief of the Osage Nation, stood alongside the cast and crew of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” highlighting the importance of this film for all Native American communities. Chief Standing Bear acknowledges that the harrowing events depicted in the film resonate with all Native peoples who have endured centuries of hardship. He emphasizes that this movie serves as a reminder that the struggles faced by Native Americans are not a distant memory but instead continue to impact generations today.
The Chief notes that these crimes against the Osage Nation and other Native American communities occurred not too long ago, within the lifetime of his grandparents. Through “Killers of the Flower Moon,” he hopes to inspire a deeper understanding and empathy for the struggles faced by Native Americans, fostering a society that acknowledges and confronts its troubling past.
As “Killers of the Flower Moon” prepares to captivate audiences on the big screen, Martin Scorsese has once again proven his versatility as a filmmaker. With his ability to transcend genres, he draws viewers into compelling narratives that explore the depths of the human experience. Through this film, he sheds light on a dark chapter in American history, urging society to confront uncomfortable truths and foster open dialogue about the impact of greed and the dehumanization of others. “Killers of the Flower Moon” stands not only as a thought-provoking cinematic masterpiece but also as a testament to the resilience and spirit of Native American communities who have faced immense challenges throughout history.