Highly regarded director Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” debuted Oct. 20, 2023 across big screens, starring Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone. The movie widely received positive feedback from Scorsese fans as his films have been acclaimed to be some of the greatest of all time. As there have been speculations on whether Scoresese’s career is coming to a close, fans wonder if “Killers of the Flower Moon” will be his last hurrah. Looking back on the movie and his film evolution is essential to recognize his admired career in the industry.
Scorsese earned his Masters of Art degree from New York University and further went on to teach undergraduate filmmaking programs. He sprang into the Hollywood scene in 1973 with his movie “Mean Streets,” which established his phenomenal directing skills and was the start to his fame. Scorsese then went on to produce some of what are considered to be the greatest film hits of all time, like “The Departed,” “Goodfellas” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Scorsese became more and more distinguished for his creative film tactics and soundtracks used that give his films a distinctive and recognizable look. He also became recognized for harsh and violent depictions of American culture. Scorsese has been nominated for nine Oscars for Best Director and has won for his movie “The Departed.” Many have argued Scorsese could be the best living director of all time as he has continued to produce something new and unique through each of his films. His latest movie,“Killers of the Flower Moon,” has been commended for doing all that as Scorsese has once again went above and beyond with the ideologies of cinema to form a unique and out of the box objective within his films.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” was adapted from its book counterpart written by David Grann. Scorsese redesigned the plot to create a different perspective coming from the antagonists of the movie, Ernest Burkhart, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and William Hale, portrayed by Robert De Niro. The movie examines the history of racism and exploitation as it focuses on a Native American tribe called the Osage, who are murdered in order for the antagonists to acquire money the tribe obtains off of the land they live on. While this movie does fall under the classic Scoresese mob story genre he is well known for, it comparatively is made to be seen through a different environment that he’s never presented before in his films. This new approach has created a plot that fans have raved over.
Across the film community, fans have been talking non-stop about the greatness this movie portrayed. “Killers of the Flower Moon” received a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes making it one of the highest rated movies of Scorsese to come out. Fans have left only positive reviews on the movie. People explain how the movie moved them in a way they did not expect. People also explained how this movie is yet another great masterpiece Scorsese has produced. Overall, fans have raved over how 80 year old Scorsese is still able to produce such moving films after years in the industry.
Although, if fan speculations are correct about the close of Scorsese career soon approaching, it will have ended with an extremely esteemed movie. His ability to bring attention to racism and exploitation through his brilliant film and writing abilities deserve utmost recognition. Overall, Scorsese will continue to be an idol in the film industry for his diverse topics that future directors will continue to look up to, whether he is retired or not.
