The West wasnt won, nor was it discovered.
The West was taken.
The West was conquered.
The West was stolen.
Martin Scorseseis of course aware of this.
Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas.
Osage County was so desolate, surely white men would never want it.
And they didnt until the early 20th century when oil was discovered there.
Their children went to European schools, and in their towns the white mendrovethemaround in chauffeured cars.
Yet if you looked into those pale faces and subservient eyes, you might recognize more than obsequiousness.
Some of the whites can be playful about it, such as Ernest who seems genuinely smitten with Mollie.
Every one of them, except dear, sweet, innocent Ernest.
This is within the first 20 minutes of a three and a half hour film.
It goes mostly unspoken, a slaughter that is as natural and mundane to them as American racism.
This extends to the many scenes of murder and execution of Native Americans.
It achieves the candidness of a clinical documentary.
Yet for all the barbarity of the films so-called civilizing forces, this isnt just about the murders.
At a gargantuan runtime, it is many things, including a twisted love story.
Much of the initial warmth, indeed, comes from what is a disarming courtship between Ernest and Mollie.
Thats admirable, but perhaps DiCaprio didnt need the lead role at all if he must play Ernest.
Scorsese sees both sides, but its obvious which he hopes will carry forward.
Killers of the Flower Moonopens wide on Friday, Oct. 20.
Rating:
4.5 out of 5
