As a cinephile who has had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of cinema through the lens of some of its greatest directors, I must admit that Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for storytelling. The film’s journey from the silver screen to the small screen is a stark reminder of how audiences today value convenience over tradition, a fact that even the great Scorsese might find amusing – after all, who would have thought that watching “Taxi Driver” on an iPad could be more appealing than in a cinema?
The Martin Scorsese-directed crime epic, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” has remained a top-viewed film on Apple TV+ ever since its debut in January 2024. This is unusual for Apple’s original programming catalog, as most films don’t continue to garner attention a year after their release. However, Scorsese’s drama has captured viewers’ hearts in a big way. Ten Academy Award nominations may have contributed to the film’s success on Apple TV+.
Initially, when Scorsese’s $200 million masterpiece premiered in cinemas last October 2023, the audience response wasn’t as grandiose as I had hoped. The movie only managed to rake in $157 million during its theatrical run. However, after its digital release, it surpassed expectations significantly. Many believe this was due to the convenience of watching a film at home, which Scorsese might find sacrilegious. Despite his views, the 206-minute runtime remains a point of contention, and many claim that’s why they chose to watch it from their comfortable couches instead.
Despite receiving a high fresh rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film “Killers of the Flower Moon” failed to win any Oscars out of its 10 nominations. This was surprising considering that it was Martin Scorsese’s passion project, which he had been developing since 2016 and where Lily Gladstone was a strong contender for Best Actress. The director, known for masterpieces like “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” and “Goodfellas,” faced a similar fate in 2020 when his Netflix production, “The Irishman,” received 10 nominations but didn’t win any. It’s hard not to feel the impact of this on such a renowned director like Scorsese, but it’s baffling that despite 10 nominations, he has only won one Oscar for Best Director.
Killers of the Flower Moon Is an Epic Western Crime Story
The film “Killers of the Flower Moon” is set in the 1920s within the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. Upon his return from World War I, Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) moves in with his powerful uncle, William King Hale (Robert De Niro), on a ranch situated in the heart of the reservation. Hale is a prominent figure, a businessman who exerts influence over most activities within the Osage Nation. The Osage people have grown affluent due to oil discoveries on their lands, but they continue to be governed by white settlers who seek a share of their wealth, with Hale among them.
As a cinephile, I find myself captivated by the enigmatic character of Lily Gladstone’s Mollie Kyle, an Osage woman whose influential family intrigues me. However, amidst the unsettling events unfolding in our community, with people mysteriously passing away, and Mollie falling gravely ill, I, unfortunately, lack the intellect to suspect my uncle of any wrongdoing. Yet, as a government agent begins probing into these strange occurrences, it’s hard not to notice the red flags that keep popping up.
The movie is adapted from the real-life events chronicled in David Grann’s 2017 book, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Emergence of the FBI.” Martin Scorsese, known for his commitment to authenticity, was keen on incorporating members of the Osage communities into the film. In total, about 200 tribe members contributed to its production, with around 40 of them taking acting roles. Brandy Lemon, a representative from the community, expressed gratitude towards Scorsese’s vision: “They truly listened to us. We weren’t treated as mere tokens; they saw us as individuals.”
Killers of the Flower Moon
is available to stream on Apple TV+.
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2024-08-23 23:33