“Killers of the Flower Moon” is Martin Scorsese’s highly anticipated historical epic, set in the 1920s and filmed in Oklahoma. The teaser trailer, released ahead of the movie’s world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, suggests that the film will delve into the dark and sinister aspects of Oklahoma’s history.
In the trailer, Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrays the real-life character Ernest Burkhart, narrates while reading a children’s book on the Osage tribal culture. As he rides a train into Fairfax, Oklahoma, located within the Osage Nation, a sense of foreboding is created, indicating that the film will explore the troubled events surrounding the Osage people.
The teaser trailer sets a mysterious and ominous tone, hinting at the darkness and intrigue that unfolds in the narrative. As a fact-based drama, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is expected to delve into the historical events that unfolded during that period in Oklahoma, bringing to light a lesser-known chapter in the state’s history.
Overall, the first look suggests that the film will incorporate elements of suspense and darkness, reflecting the somber nature of the story it aims to portray.
The teaser trailer for “Killers of the Flower Moon” not only introduces Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Ernest Burkhart but also highlights his ill-fated romance with Mollie Kyle, played by Native American actor Lily Gladstone. Mollie belongs to a wealthy Osage family targeted during the “Reign of Terror” due to their oil wealth and tribal affiliation.
The trailer also offers glimpses of other notable cast members, including Robert De Niro as Ernest’s villainous uncle, William K. Hale, Jesse Plemons as lawman Tom White, and Brendan Fraser as lawyer W.S. Hamilton. These characters are instrumental in unraveling the dark events surrounding the Osage Nation.
The teaser suggests that the film will feature a combination of intense moments, with glimpses of funerals, fisticuffs, shootouts, a fire, and an explosion. The overall tone is foreboding, reinforcing the sense of danger and suspense that permeates the narrative.
By showcasing these elements, the teaser trailer emphasizes the high-stakes nature of the story, filled with complex relationships, betrayal, and the disturbing historical events that occurred during that time period.
When will ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ be opening in theaters?
Filmed in Osage County and the surrounding area in 2021, “Killers of the Flower” will follow its Cannes premiere by opening in theaters in limited release starting Oct. 6.
Produced by Apple Original Films, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which runs an epic three hours and 26 minutes, will open in a wide theatrical release on Oct. 20.
It then will start streaming globally on Apple TV+, although the date of the film’s streaming debut has not yet been announced.
Paramount Pictures is teaming up with Apple on the eagerly awaited film’s theatrical release.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is based on David Grann’s acclaimed 2017 best-selling book of the same name, which delves into a significant but often overlooked period in American history. The film adaptation, helmed by Martin Scorsese, aims to bring this important story to the forefront.
The narrative centers around the Osage Nation citizens in 1920s Oklahoma, who became wealthy due to the oil boom in their territory. However, their newfound prosperity attracted greed and resulted in a series of brutal murders. This dark chapter in history became known as the “Reign of Terror.” The killings prompted the involvement of the fledgling FBI, which launched an investigation to uncover the truth behind these crimes.
Scorsese’s film adaptation seeks to shed light on this forgotten part of American history, highlighting the systemic injustices faced by the Osage people and the birth of the FBI as a response to the crimes. By adapting Grann’s book, Scorsese aims to create a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience that will raise awareness and ensure that this period is not forgotten.
The combination of Scorsese’s directorial prowess, Grann’s meticulous research, and the talented cast promise to bring this significant historical story to life on the big screen, sparking conversations about the past and its impact on the present.
“I know that books can reach a certain number of people, but a movie and a movie of this caliber and size and level of talent … can help really reach a lot of others,” Grann told The Oklahoman in a 2021 interview.
“Obviously, the Osage knew their history … but there were so many people — and I include myself amongst them — who were just really ignorant of this because it wasn’t something we grew up hearing about or was taught in our classes. So, I hope it’s just going to expand that knowledge.”