Unmasking William King Hale
The world of Western crime dramas is about to be shaken by Martin Scorsese’s much-anticipated film, Killers of the Flower Moon. The film’s recent trailer has shone a light on the sinister role played by Robert De Niro, who embodies the character of William King Hale, a real-life notorious political boss.
“Respectful on one hand and a murderous thug on the other,” is how Scorsese described the captivating character of Hale. This antagonist is not just a ruthless villain but is layered with manipulative schemes, evident in how Leonardo DiCaprio describes him. Highlighting the duality of the character, DiCaprio says, “exploiting and manipulating” people while representing the “banality of evil.”
Lily Gladstone, who plays a pivotal role in the film, commended De Niro’s commitment to the role. She emphasized how De Niro has that rare ability to “change the temperature in a room” with his powerful presence.
The Sinister History: Unearthing the Osage Murders
Delving into the chilling backdrop of the story, Killers of the Flower Moon brings to life the dark chapter of the Osage murders from the 1920s. The Osage Nation, rich from their oil reserves, became the target for opportunists like Hale. De Niro’s character sees a chance and persuades World War I hero, Ernest Burkhart (portrayed by DiCaprio), to marry into the Osage tribe. This twisted plot unfolds as Ernest, after marrying Mollie (Gladstone), becomes entangled in a web of deceit, forcing him to question the malicious intentions of Hale.
The ensemble cast also includes the likes of Brendan Fraser, playing the role of Hale’s crooked lawyer, W.S. Hamilton, and Jesse Plemons who takes on the character of former Texas Ranger, Tom White.
Behind the Scenes: Changes and Choices
Originally set to chronicle the rise of the FBI, Scorsese took a different direction with the plot, adapting it from David Grann’s acclaimed novel. Instead, he decided to focus on the tumultuous love story of Ernest and Mollie. There were also talks of DiCaprio initially slated to play a different character, but the director’s vision led to some changes in the narrative.
A Swan Song for Scorsese?
Martin Scorsese, a stalwart in the world of filmmaking, has subtly indicated that he might be considering retirement after a few more projects. Killers of the Flower Moon, which garnered accolades during its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, could be among his last masterpieces. Industry insiders are predicting a strong opening weekend for the film, with estimates of around $24 million domestically.
Catch the Epic Drama Soon
Eagerly awaited by cinephiles and fans of Scorsese and De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon is set to release in theaters on October 20th. For those who prefer the comfort of their homes, the film will also make its way to Apple TV+ soon after its cinematic debut.
With this, audiences worldwide are gearing up for a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and crime in the heartland of America, brought to life by a stellar cast and a master storyteller.
