MANILA, Philippines—Apple Original Films unveils “Character Chronicles: Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart” featurette for Martin Scorsese’s Highly-Anticipated Killers of the Flower Moon. With a stellar cast including DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, the film is poised for a worldwide theatrical premiere, including IMAX screens, on October 18th.
Challenged and deeply motivated by his portrayal of Ernest Burkhart, Leonardo DiCaprio wholeheartedly immersed himself in understanding and embodying the character. DiCaprio described how he embraced the Osage culture, becoming a true chameleon in his approach to the role. Collaborating closely with Osage community members, he drew invaluable insights and guidance, even consulting with descendants and relatives of the real Ernest Burkhart. Yet, despite these efforts, he faced one of the most intricate and multifaceted acting challenges of his career.
Image Courtesy of Apple Original Films.
Ernest Burkhart, a war-wounded newcomer to Oklahoma, was incapable of strenuous labor and somewhat naive, making him an unwitting pawn in his uncle’s ploy to ensnare Mollie. Even as he became complicit in a dark conspiracy, Burkhart clung to the belief that his love for Mollie remained genuine.
Director Martin Scorsese expressed excitement about the collaborative process of creating the character, emphasizing the depth they aimed to achieve.
Image Courtesy of Apple Original Films.
Set against the backdrop of the 20th-century Osage Nation’s sudden wealth from oil, the film “Killers of the Flower Moon” delves into the disturbing reality of white interlopers who exploited, extorted, and ultimately resorted to murder to claim the Osage wealth. The narrative unfolds through the unlikely love story of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), blending genuine affection with unimaginable betrayal. The movie also features Robert De Niro and Jesse Plemons and is directed by Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese. The screenplay, based on David Grann’s best-selling book, is a collaboration between Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a production of Apple Studios in partnership with Imperative Entertainment, Sikelia Productions, and Appian Way. The film’s producers include Martin Scorsese, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, and Daniel Lupi, with executive producers Leonardo DiCaprio, Rick Yorn, Adam Sommer, Marianne Bower, Lisa Frechette, John Atwood, Shea Kammer, and Niels Juul.
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