Killers of the Flower Moon - Movie Review

Yancey Red Corn and Lily Gladstone in Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Intrigue and Illumination in 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

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Taking place in Oklahoma of the 1920s, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ looks into a rather dark page in the history of the United States of America. Osage Nation finds oil, and they become wealthy people. This prosperity attracts evil intend or rather the retained profit brings out a wicked feeling in murdering people. The FBI investigating brings out the layers of deception and the motives making it a thrilling mystery.

As a film, it weaves themes of greed, power and terrorism into a theme of injustice. They depict racism and Native Americans and white men clashes and discrimination towards the black people. The tone is dark, ornate, and sorrowful, capturing the essence that typical of 1920 social-political malaise and the duplicity of man

Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro deliver devastating performances. The conflicted Ernest Burkhart of the film is played by DiCaprio where he has to balance his loyalty with his principles. Mr De Niro as William Hale is quite enigmatic and convincing in his approach to crime though he is also the villain of the movie. In portraying Mollie Kyle, Lily Gladstone deserves worthy mention for her performance which is dignified to say the least. Every actor invests in their role and makes it believable.

The film is well directed by Martin Scorsese. He also brings the facts of the real life story out as the drama is high but at the same time realistic. Scorsese’s hand keeps the story interesting so that the details are unveiled at opportune moments. It adds to the atmosphere of the 1920s, heightening tension during important moments as well as increasing pathos.

The awesome use of open space in Oklahoma and the small, oppressive rooms where most of the action takes place. Every single frame is polished, underlining the overall aesthetics of the film as dark and beautiful.

The movie setting is the Oklahoma of 1920s and the production design captures the essence of the dividing gap between the rich and the poor as well as the culture of the time. Crew work showcases a keen reflection on historic details within costumes, props, and backgrounds drenching the audience with the feel of the period highlighted.

Special effects are selectively used and are supplementary rather than dominating the show CreateUser6 They effectively remind the viewer of events in history, which really happened and help to ground the heightened drama in the film’s arcs.

It also gives a steady rhythm which is actually very important for the film told in layers. It provides a cohesive perspective through what could otherwise be a confusing narrative structure that flits between high-stakes character scenes and grand historical themes.

The film is well over three hours, and while deliberate at time, it never drags or feels slow. They are meant to let themes sit in limbo and characters’ arcs to be as broad as possible. Such a gradual construction works refrains from overshadowing the emotional payoff.

The dialogues being rather well developed not only describe character’s needs and wants but also provide the viewer with social commentary. The script proves to be more historical and at the same time dynamic in creating drama out of that history to enhance the plot.

The movie can indeed be quiet lengthy and tiring for some especially that it has much to offer in terms of storytelling and acting per say in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ The movie is slow at moments because it explores history in detail, which is a disadvantage to people who might get bored with slow-moving films.

Killers of the Flower Moon is a masterpiece of American Cinema that presents a dark side of America that needs to be told. Due to its performances, sophisticated direction, and suspenseful aura, the show is not just an experience, but a contemplation.