Killers of the Flower Moon
dir. Martin Scorsese · 2023
Feature
Institutional Corruption
Mood
Dark / Tense
Look
rich, period-authentic cinematography with a muted color palette
Structure
linear progression with flashbacks to reveal character motivations
Plot
When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one - until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.
Why watch
In 1920s Oklahoma, the Osage Nation is targeted for their newfound wealth from oil, leading to a series of brutal murders that go unchecked until the FBI intervenes. Watching this film is like stepping into a dark chapter of American history, where the quest for justice is fraught with moral ambiguity and the weight of systemic corruption hangs heavily in the air.
Talking points
- the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities
- the role of law enforcement in systemic injustice
- the moral implications of wealth and power
- the representation of Native American stories in cinema
Cultural context
historical injustices against Native Americansthe rise of the FBI in the 20th centuryoil boom and its socio-economic impactthe legacy of colonialism in America