Paul Schrader, the legendary Hollywood figure known for writing classics like ‘Taxi Driver’ and ‘Raging Bull’ and directing ‘First Reformed,’ recently shared his candid thoughts on Martin Scorsese’s latest film, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’
Schrader, known for his unfiltered opinions on cinema, expressed specific reservations about Leonardo DiCaprio’s role in the film.
The Original Focus of the Film
In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, as reported by The Wrap, Schrader remarked on DiCaprio’s performance in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ DiCaprio portrays Ernest Burkhart, a not-so-bright war veteran entangled in a criminal plot among the oil-rich Osage tribe in 1920s America.
Schrader expressed a preference for DiCaprio playing the role of a police officer instead of what he referred to as an “idiot.” “Spending three and a half hours with an idiot is a long time,” Schrader added, reflecting on the character's screen presence.
Originally, the film was set to have Jesse Plemons in the lead role as police investigator Tom White, who probes the murder cases. However, Scorsese shifted the focus to Ernest Burkhart during production, a move that seems to have prompted Schrader's critique.
Despite his criticisms, Schrader also praised Scorsese, likening him to a Renaissance painter crafting grand, epic artworks. “Give him 200 million dollars, and inevitably a good film will come out of it,” Schrader stated, showcasing his respect for Scorsese's directorial prowess.
Schrader, who was recently in the limelight with his romantic crime drama ‘Master Gardener,’ continues to be an outspoken and influential voice in the film industry. His comments on ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ add a nuanced perspective to the anticipation surrounding one of Hollywood’s most awaited films.
