Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Detailed Summary

The Arrival of Ernest Burkhart

The story begins with Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) arriving in Osage County, Oklahoma, in the 1920s. A World War I veteran seeking a fresh start, he finds himself under the guidance of his uncle, William Hale (Robert De Niro), a powerful local rancher. Unbeknownst to Ernest, he is about to be drawn into a web of greed and murder.

The Osage Oil Boom

The Osage Nation possesses some of the richest oil reserves in America, leading to substantial wealth among its people. Living in luxury, they enjoy a high standard of living. However, their prosperity attracts those with malicious intentions who seek to exploit them.

Ernest’s Marriage to Mollie Kyle

Ernest falls in love with Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), a wealthy Osage woman. While their marriage appears genuine, there is a darker question at play: Is Ernest truly in love, or is he merely interested in Mollie’s “headright,” her share of the Osage oil wealth?

The Reign of Terror Begins

A series of mysterious deaths begins to plague the Osage community. Poisonings, shootings, and explosions become common, while local law enforcement seems either unable or unwilling to solve these cases.

Enter Tom White

As the body count rises, the newly formed FBI sends agent Tom White (Jesse Plemons) to investigate. Determined and methodical, White faces a deeply entrenched network of corruption and conspiracy.

The Unraveling of the Conspiracy

White’s investigation gradually exposes the perpetrators, revealing the extent of the conspiracy against the Osage. The truth is shocking, yet justice remains elusive for many involved.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with a powerful commentary on justice and its limits. While some conspirators face consequences, others evade punishment, leaving the audience with a sense of lingering injustice.

Post-Credits Scene

There is no post-credits scene. Director Martin Scorsese concludes the narrative within the main runtime, leaving the audience to reflect on the story.

Type of Movie

“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a historical crime drama infused with elements of the Western genre. It explores themes of American greed and racism, presenting a gripping true-crime story.

Cast

• Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart
• Robert De Niro as William Hale
• Lily Gladstone as Mollie Kyle
• Jesse Plemons as Tom White
• Tantoo Cardinal as Lizzie Q
• John Lithgow as Prosecutor Leaward
• Brendan Fraser as W.S. Hamilton

Film Music and Composer

The score, composed by Robbie Robertson, blends period-appropriate sounds with Native American influences, creating a haunting and immersive atmosphere.

Filming Locations

The film was shot primarily in Oklahoma, including Osage County and Pawhuska, ensuring an authentic depiction of the events and locations central to the story.

Awards and Nominations

“Killers of the Flower Moon” has been well-received and is expected to be a strong contender during awards season. Lily Gladstone’s performance, in particular, has garnered significant attention.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• DiCaprio was originally cast as Tom White but opted to portray Ernest Burkhart to explore the character’s complexities.
• Scorsese worked closely with the Osage Nation to ensure cultural accuracy, including learning some of the Osage language.
• The film faced production delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with shooting concluding in October 2021.
• Robert De Niro sustained a leg injury during filming but continued his work with minimal delay.
• The initial runtime exceeded 4 hours, which was later trimmed to 3 hours and 26 minutes.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on David Grann’s 2017 non-fiction book. While faithful to the source material, Scorsese makes creative adjustments, focusing more on the relationship between Ernest and Mollie and introducing new narrative elements.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Though no alternate endings have been confirmed, it’s known that significant footage was left out due to the original runtime. There may be potential for an extended cut in the future.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While the film closely follows the book, key differences include a greater focus on Ernest and Mollie’s relationship and less emphasis on the FBI investigation. Additionally, the film introduces a true-crime radio show as a narrative device.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Mollie’s Poisoning: A heart-wrenching scene highlighting Ernest’s internal conflict.
• The Bombing of Henry Roan: A pivotal moment showcasing the brutal lengths of the conspiracy.
• The Trial: A tense courtroom scene where the truth finally emerges.
• The Opening Osage Ceremony: A beautifully shot sequence that establishes the cultural context.

Iconic Quotes

• “Can you find the wolves in this picture?” – William Hale, foreshadowing the predatory nature of the plot.
• “There are no laws on how to be a good man.” – Ernest Burkhart, reflecting his moral struggle.
• “You think if you don’t look, you’re not responsible?” – Mollie Kyle, confronting denial and complicity.
• “The coyote is watching you.” – An Osage warning, repeated throughout the film as a symbol of danger.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film subtly incorporates vintage photographs of actual Osage victims throughout the scenes.
• Traditional Osage artwork features prominently in the opening credits.
• Background dialogues feature authentic spoken Osage language.
• Scorsese makes a brief cameo as a newspaper editor.

Trivia

• This marks the first collaboration between Scorsese, De Niro, and DiCaprio.
• The film’s budget was around $200 million, making it one of Scorsese’s most expensive productions.
• Lily Gladstone learned Osage specifically for her role.
• Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto used specialized lenses to capture the visual style of 1920s photography.
• The casting team selected real Osage tribal members for speaking roles and extras.

Why Watch?

“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a masterfully crafted film that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history. With exceptional performances, striking visuals, and a story that resonates deeply, it is a must-watch for fans of true crime, historical dramas, and significant cinema.

Director’s Other Movies

• Taxi Driver (1976)
• Raging Bull (1980)
• Goodfellas (1990)
• Casino (1995)
• Gangs of New York (2002)
• The Departed (2006)
• Shutter Island (2010)
• The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
• The Irishman (2019)

Recommended Films for Fans

• There Will Be Blood (2007)
• No Country for Old Men (2007)
• Wind River (2017)
• Hell or High Water (2016)
• The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
• True Grit (2010)
• Lawless (2012)
• The Revenant (2015)
• Hostiles (2017)