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For nearly six decades, Martin Scorsese has desired to create a western film, but it seems that his recent work may have brought an end to the genre. This is a significant impact on a genre that is closely tied to American identity and has cemented the myths surrounding it. The western film has long portrayed the idea of white settlers conquering and dominating the West, with the help of religion, firearms, and cinema. Therefore, it takes bravery to challenge and question this narrative by telling the true story of the cruelty and racism of white Americans, especially in a time when these histories are being actively silenced in the US. While there have been westerns that offer a new perspective in recent years, this film can be described as one that tears down the false ideas of colonialism, greed, and corruption that American was truly built upon. It is a groundbreaking work in cinema, and nothing else in this year’s collection of Oscar-nominated films can match its revolutionary impact.
The setting of the story takes place in 1920s Oklahoma. Due to the discovery of oil on their land, the Osage Nation is now considered the wealthiest group of people in the world. However, they are required by law to have white guardians to assist them in managing their newfound wealth, which is only the start of the injustice they face. In this story, the two-faced leader William “King” Hale, played by Robert De Niro, comes up with a plan for his unintelligent nephew Ernest, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, to marry Osage heiress Mollie, portrayed by Lily Gladstone. Their goal is to eliminate Mollie’s family and take their oil rights, with the support of the entire white community. Blinded by love and wealth, it takes Mollie and her people too long to realize the true intentions of those around them.
The boldness of the plot aside, the immense size, range, and endurance of Killers can make even younger filmmakers seem timid and weak. Some have criticized the movie’s duration of three and a half hours as excessive, but it allows the story to fully soak in the insanity and moral decay. When Ernest injects himself with the poison he has been injecting into Mollie, with both of them laying on the bed in a drugged state with the fire illuminating the night sky outside, we feel completely detached from reality. It is not until Jesse Plemons’ FBI agent, dressed as a cowboy, arrives in town to break the spell and restore some rationality.
Martin Scorsese’s mastery as a filmmaker often goes unnoticed due to his consistent excellence. He presents flawless attention to detail, dynamic camera movements, artistic compositions, impactful bursts of violence, and captivating facial expressions, including those of minor characters. The late Robbie Robertson contributed a powerful and foreboding score. Leonardo DiCaprio and Léa Seydoux embody the complexities and illusions of their tumultuous relationship. However, it is Gladstone’s portrayal as a beguiling yet vulnerable character that stands out as a unique and exceptional performance. Even in the final moments of the film, where most would rely on text for explanation, Scorsese uses a vintage radio show recording, perhaps a tribute to his own involvement in shaping history. This experienced director continues to surprise and impress his audience with innovative techniques.
Although Killers has received acclaim for its accurate and respectful depiction of Osage culture, there have been criticisms regarding its focus on white characters. However, director Scorsese has acknowledged that it is not his place to represent the Native American experience. Instead, he has used his creative influence and the fame of his lead actors to bring attention to a dark and often forgotten event in American history. Thanks to the production of Killers of the Flower Moon, this shameful period can no longer be ignored. It has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on history, a rarity for most films.
Source: theguardian.com
