Martin Scorsese’s passion project, Killers of the Flower Moon, has finally hit the theaters. The film features Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays Ernest Burkhart, a World War 1 veteran. He is drawn into his uncle’s (Robert De Niro) scheme to exploit the oil-laden land of the Osage Nation. DiCaprio did something similar to his role in his Oscar-winning venture, The Revenant.
After the cancellation of the original script for the film, DiCaprio assumed the role of Ernest. The new script focuses more on DiCaprio’s character and his relationship with his wife, Mollie (Lilly Gladstone), an Osage woman whose family members fall prey to a series of murders. Jesse Plemons is playing the FBI agent, Tom White, who was earlier meant to be played by DiCaprio.
Leonardo DiCaprio Learned Osage For The Film
Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone met several Osage leaders and residents to ensure their ideas were incorporated into the film, helping it look more authentic. For instance, during a scene where Mollie and Ernest are having a meal, the area is hit by a thunderstorm. Instead of shutting the doors and windows, Gladstone’s character asks Ernest to stay put and pray throughout the storm. Osage consultant Wilson Pipestem gave this idea.
To add another layer of authenticity to their performance, DiCaprio and Gladstone learned the Osage language for the film. Viewers will be able to notice full scenes where Ernest and Mollie talk in Osage to avoid leaking information to non-Osage locals.
DiCaprio said (via THR):
“It was really important for the both of us, in fact, really important for the whole set to immerse ourselves with the Osage. It was only a natural decision for Lily and I to try and learn some of this beautiful language.”
Similarly, for The Revenant, Leonardo DiCaprio learned Arikara, a native language. Cultural consultant Craig Falcon helped the actor learn the language. Falcon also assisted DiCaprio in learning the sign language, which plays a crucial role in the film.
Leonardo DiCaprio Thinks Hollywood Is Finally Getting Representation Right
Recently, Leonardo DiCaprio had an interview with Vogue, where he discussed the film and how Hollywood has taken significant strides in portraying native and indigenous people more accurately in its movies.
He told Vogue:
“Hollywood has a long history and chequered past in its depiction of Native American people. We need to do more. You know, we are coming towards a great reckoning of our past. The more that these stories can be told in a truthful way, the more it can be a healing process.”
Slowly, Hollywood has started valuing the inclusion and depiction of other communities to make sure the films look more authentic. DiCaprio noted that the progress is crucial for the industry and it will continue to bring such meaningful changes.
