And the critics rave!
This past weekend, Killers of the Flower Moon – the Martin Scorsese epic that was filmed in and around parts of northern Oklahoma in the Osage Nation – held its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
The movie has received near-universal acclaim from critics, hailing it as yet another Scorsese masterpiece and sure-fire awards contender for 2023. Here’s the first teaser trailer in case you haven’t seen it.
In May, when coyotes howl beneath an unnervingly large moon, taller plants begin to creep over the tinier blooms, stealing their light and water [...]
— Apple Original Films (@AppleFilms) May 18, 2023
This is why the Osage refer to May as the time of the flower-killing moon. pic.twitter.com/cJ16laYro3
That’s cool! It’s nice to finally see something from the movie that isn’t the photo of Dicaprio and Gladstone sitting at a table looking like they’re in the middle of 1920s marriage counseling.
Since the film has deep connections to Oklahoma and received some taxpayer subsidies, the state apparently got a token invite to the premier. It was used by Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, who also serves as the State Secretary of Tourism.
Here are some photos from his business trip that he shared on social media.
World premiere of Killers of the Flower Moon. It was spectacular, and the @Osagenation deserves praise for it and the authenticity of the film. Bravo! 🌸🌙 pic.twitter.com/biXQOEp8dE
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) May 20, 2023
That looks fun! Fortunately, he was there on "official" State Business.
Taking OK to the world & bringing the world to OK- in Cannes for the world’s largest film festival. Participated in a panel discussion today on the growing OK film & tourism industries. With an impact of $300M+ the past 10 yrs, film is a major source of economic development in OK pic.twitter.com/baP3z3Avrh
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) May 19, 2023
When I first saw the photos, I was thinking it would be obnoxiously fun to file an open records request to see just how much Pinnell’s trip cost Oklahoma taxpayers.
I guess you can’t blame me. It’s human nature to be envious and vengeful when higher-ups get to do things you can’t do, like attend a film festival or hand-pick one of your campaign donors to open a foggy chain of state park restaurants. Sadly, just about the only way we can get vengeance is to share details of their state-funded vacation online and then shame them for it.
But then I changed my mind.
Once again, the movie was filmed and set in Oklahoma, so we might as well have one dignitary in attendance. Matt seems like a safe enough choice. Let’s be honest, would you rather see Pinnell or Ole’ Stitter walking the red carpet while wearing a cowboy hat, bolo tie. and big shiny belt buckle with two pistols on it?
Plus, can you imagine how salty and jealous Mayor-Dean McSelfie – a member of the Osage Nation – must have been when he saw Pinnell got to go? That makes whatever costs it was to taxpayers totally worth it.
Anyway, I guess we have about five months or so until the movie is released to the masses. I wonder if there will be a big Oklahoma premier, and how we’ll be able to score Louis tickets to it.
Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.
