The highly anticipated crime epic, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” directed by Martin Scorsese, has generated controversy due to the imposition of intermissions in certain theaters across the globe. This unauthorized decision prompted intervention from Paramount, the film’s primarily theatrical distributor, as well as its international partners. While the extensive runtime of three hours and 26 minutes may have led some theaters to believe an intermission was necessary, it ultimately violates the domestic licensing agreement for the project.
Thelma Schoonmaker, the highly acclaimed three-time Oscar-winning editor who has been collaborating with Scorsese since the 1960s, expressed her concern over the unauthorized use of intermissions. In an interview with The Standard, Schoonmaker revealed her disappointment, stating, “I understand that somebody’s running it with an intermission which is not right. That’s a violation, so I have to find out about it.” Her reaction highlights the importance of adhering to the filmmaker’s vision and respecting the artistic integrity of the film.
Martin Scorsese himself previously defended the lengthy runtime of “Killers of the Flower Moon” during an interview with the Hindustan Times. The renowned filmmaker argued that watching a film for three hours is not uncommon, considering the ability to binge-watch television shows for even longer periods. Scorsese emphasized the significance of giving cinema the respect it deserves, comparing the experience of watching a film in a theater to attending a live theater performance. According to him, the presence of real actors on stage requires undivided attention and respect from the audience.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is based on David Grann’s non-fiction book of the same name and portrays the haunting story of the systematic murder of the Osage people in the 1920s, triggered by the discovery of oil on their land. Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone deliver powerhouse performances in this awards contender. The film was released in theaters on October 20th, with its availability on Apple TV+ yet to be announced.
Paramount and the international partners of “Killers of the Flower Moon” swiftly shut down the unauthorized intermissions, ensuring the compliance with the domestic licensing agreement. This response demonstrates the commitment of the film’s distributors to preserve the artistic vision intended by Scorsese. As the movie continues to reach audiences worldwide, it will be intriguing to see the impact of this controversy on its reception and box office performance.
The controversy surrounding the imposition of intermissions in various theaters screening “Killers of the Flower Moon” has shed light on the complexities of balancing audience comfort and artistic integrity. The swift intervention by Paramount and international partners, as well as Thelma Schoonmaker’s concerns, underscores the importance of upholding the licensing agreement and respecting the director’s creative decisions. With its stellar cast and gripping storyline, “Killers of the Flower Moon” remains a highly anticipated film, and its reception and future success will be closely observed.