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“Killers of the Flower Moon”
I recently read David Grann’s best-selling book and I was captivated from beginning to end. It is set in Oklahoma in the 1920s and depicts the serial murders of members of the Osage Tribe. They became rich after oil was discovered on their land and the white community was intent on seizing it from them.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhart, a World War I vet returning with no money and little talent. His uncle, William Hale (Robert De Niro), is the king of this section of Oklahoma. Pretending to be the friend of the Osage, he wants their money.
In the process, the Osage are deemed “incompetent” and are appointed white “guardians” to control their assets. Hale encourages Ernest to marry Mollie (Lily Gladstone), an Osage woman with a large fortune. Hale’s purpose is all too clear.
At the center of this film is the tragic depiction of the killing of numerous Native Americans. De Niro is a godfather-like figure who may be the most despicable human being to ever appear on film. He appears to be an honorable man as he runs a death squad that kills Mollie’s mother and sisters.
DiCaprio soon follows the lead of his Uncle Hale. Despite the fact that he and Mollie have several children, he slowly poisons her to gain control of her financial assets. His performance as Ernest is depressing beyond description and it is the only weakness of the film.
But it is Gladstone’s Mollie that is the quiet, powerful center of this film. She is devoted to Ernest and takes her time letting her eyes do the work. A powerful, Oscar-worthy performance centered on silence.
While there is a wide range of supporting actors, let me just point out the contributions of Jesse Plemons, John Lithgow and Brendan Fraser. Plemons plays FBI agent Tom White who unravels Hale’s murder syndicate. Lithgow is quietly effective as the prosecutor trying to convict Hale while Fraser may be the most disgusting defense attorney to ever appear on the big screen.
What makes this movie by Martin Scorsese so heart-breaking is that you are forced to embrace the reality of American history. Black people were enslaved for centuries while American Indians were treated with violence and hatred. And as seen in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and other Southern states, racism is not dead when it comes to voter discrimination.
The reality is that you are likely to leave the theater shaking your head as this spectacular film reminds you that most of the white men who murdered a large number of Osage were never prosecuted.
“Elf”
This tiny little film remains a pleasure to watch at home. In summary, Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human who was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler living in a nursery. He lives to adulthood with Santa’s elves when he decides to return to New York to find his father.
The Christmas spirit permeates the movie from beginning to end. Bob Newhart brings his Newhart sullen fun to the screen as Buddy’s North Pole Papa Elf. James Caan is at his nasty best as Buddy’s father, an arrogant businessman who doesn’t know he has a missing son.
Ed Asner’s Santa Claus reminds you of the meaning of Christmas as he seeks to deliver gifts to all true believers on Christmas Eve. While there are other wonderful performances, let me just point out Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, a store co-worker who falls in love with Buddy on his return to New York. You will love her smile.
As noted in my rating, this movie represents the reason I embrace the Christmas season. Regardless of your politics and political anger, most Americans find time to put up a Christmas tree and decorate their house and yard.
Wouldn’t it be great if this joy lasted 12 months a year instead of one?
Joy to the world, my friends. ‘Tis the season to be jolly!•
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Robert Hammerle practices criminal law in Indianapolis. When he is not in the courtroom or the office, Bob can likely be found at one of his favorite movie theaters preparing to review the latest films. To read more of his reviews, visit www.bigmouthbobs.com. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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