Film: Killers of Flower Moon

Yes at over 3 hours it is ludicrously long and that’s the main reason I wouldn't have chosen it but week after week, there is a dearth of enticing films. First, it was the turn of the summer blockbuster then we went straight into Halloween films.

Based on the true-life story of the murders of members of the Osage Nation. Our central character is the fantastic Mollie ( Lily Gladstone), one of 4 sisters looking after their elderly mum. She falls for the newly arrived former soldier Ernest (Di Caprio) whose Uncle (De Niro) rules the town and is happy for his nephew to marry into some wealth.

In the 1920s, I am surprised to see so many interracial marriages until I learned that indigenous people are wealthy from the oil found on their land. Then I’m surprised that the white man hasn’t moved straight in, killed them all and taken the riches rather than go to the trouble of befriending and marrying.

The killing occurs, otherwise, the title wouldn't make sense, but in a much slower, understated way.

Until the pre-CIA government officers came to investigate.

Once again I’ve come out of the cinema and asked myself, ‘When does America come out well out of films? The indigenous people sure do (I hope they think so)

Sidebar: I kept thinking of the Dallas programme every time there was an oil rig shot.

It is a helluva production so didn’t feel as long as it is so that’s a credit. It does need an interval though.

7/10