In a recent development, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese have shared insights into the substantial script overhaul for their upcoming historical drama, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Initially, the screenplay was closely aligned with David Grann’s 2017 book and focused on FBI agent Tom White, whom DiCaprio was slated to portray. The story would have concentrated on White’s investigation into a series of murders within the Osage Nation during the 1920s.
However, both DiCaprio and Scorsese felt that this angle lacked depth and failed to capture the essence of the Osage community’s experience. DiCaprio highlighted a small yet emotionally impactful scene between characters Mollie and Ernest in the original script, stating that it served as an emotional catalyst for rethinking the film’s direction.
In the revamped version, DiCaprio takes on the role of Ernest Burkhart, a WWI veteran embroiled in his uncle’s scheme to swindle the Osage Nation. The reimagined story now pivots around Ernest and his Osage wife Mollie, played by Lily Gladstone, whose family faces deadly peril. Jesse Plemons has since been cast as FBI agent Tom White, transforming the part into a supporting role.
Scorsese admitted to Time magazine that his earlier version of the film was skewed, focusing too much on the white characters. He realized that the story needed to be told from an insider’s perspective to do justice to the Osage community’s plight.
DiCaprio praised co-star Lily Gladstone, stating that Scorsese felt an immediate, instinctual connection with her, even during a virtual meeting. He affirmed that Scorsese believed Gladstone’s emotive performance would bring authenticity to the character of Mollie.
The highly-anticipated film, produced by Apple and Paramount, is set to hit theatres nationwide on October 20. Source
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