Martin Scorsese’s new film Killers of the Flower Moon tackles the painful history of the murders of wealthy Osage people in 1920s Oklahoma, events he was unaware of until recently.
Scorsese, director of classics like Taxi Driver and Goodfellas, was cautious in adapting the true story from David Grann’s book. He asked himself how to portray Osage culture respectfully and truthfully.
Initially focused on the FBI investigation, Scorsese and co-writer Eric Roth delved deeper into contrasting Osage and white American cultures. They incorporated more spiritual aspects after meeting Osage representatives.
Scorsese learned these traumatic events were rarely discussed. The generation involved didn’t talk about it, and descendants were still processing the betrayal by William Hale. Hale, beloved locally, masterminded the murders even though an Osage friend.
The script examines how people can be so compartmentalized. The Osage were Hale’s friends yet he killed them. Scorsese wanted to explore this human complexity.
‘He’s the only one who really knows where I come from’
Scorsese enlisted frequent collaborators Robert De Niro as Hale and Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart. De Niro recommended DiCaprio after working together in 1993.
Scorsese has built deep trust with De Niro through ten films over decades, like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. DiCaprio cemented their bond on later projects like The Departed and The Wolf of Wall Street.
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DiCaprio’s energy was crucial for Scorsese on set daily. Their rapport enabled them to take risks and push each other creatively.
Killers of the Flower Moon Reviews Draw Praise
Killers is already earning acclaim from critics and peers. The film sees Scorsese confront a painful history, while reuniting with trusted actors to portray complex characters.
Scorsese tackles harrowing true events unknown to him until recently. His approach is to examine them with respect and humanity. Killers promises to memorialize a traumatic period, shedding light on injustices experienced by the Osage people.
