The Scorsese Epic’s Opening Weekend
Martin Scorsese’s latest film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” has made quite the splash in its opening weekend, raking in $44 million globally. This is no small feat, considering the film’s $200 million production budget and the ongoing strike that prevented its high-profile stars from promoting it. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone.
Box Office Breakdown
The film grossed $23 million domestically and an additional $21 million from 63 international markets. While these numbers may not seem like a home run given the film’s hefty budget, they are respectable. The movie is expected to maintain strong holds over the next few weeks, potentially putting it in a more secure financial position before its eventual debut on Apple TV+.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
“Killers of the Flower Moon” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and has received stellar reviews. It currently boasts a “fresh” 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also received an A- grade from opening day audiences, matching Scorsese’s best-ever CinemaScore alongside classics like “The Departed” and “Goodfellas.” Interestingly, 46% of the film’s viewers were in the 18–34 demographic, defying the conventional wisdom that the film would skew older.
A Fresh Perspective on a Harrowing Story
The film is based on the non-fiction book by David Grann and tells the story of the systemic mass murder of members of the Osage community a century ago. While the book focused on the perspective of FBI investigators, Scorsese chose to center the film around a married couple, played by DiCaprio and Gladstone, thereby spotlighting the Osage community. The ensemble cast also includes Jesse Plemons, Brendan Fraser, and John Lithgow.
Final Thoughts
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a fascinating case study in modern-day film production and distribution. Despite challenges like a high production budget and an ongoing strike affecting its promotion, the film has managed to make a respectable debut. With strong reviews and audience reception, it’s a film that’s likely to continue generating buzz in the coming weeks.
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