For whatever it’s worth, this could be a sign that a rough cut has been screened. During the weekend I received two messages, both about Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” being privately screened to a few lucky Paramount/Apple-connected people.
An excerpt from Person #1:
I've heard nothing but amazing things about "Killers of The Flower Moon". Paramount and Apple are very excited. Leonardo Dicaprio, Jesse Plemons and Lily Gladstone’s performances are top-notch. Oscar noms for all 3 of them. Deniro's role is shorter than it is in the book.
Person #2:
FANTASTIC buzz flying around for “Killers of the Flower Moon”. Although I'm skeptical, I've heard the phrase "Scorsese's career best”. Leo is a conflicted villain. Deniro is a bad guy, but in a much smaller role. Jesse Plemons is the good guy. Still being edited, but some people have seen a cut.
I read the book. It’s fantastic. I’d love for Scorsese to give it the same meditative treatment he gave “Silence,” and “The Irishman.” I feel as though the Scorsese of ‘Wolf,’ ‘Goodfellas,’ and ‘Casino’ is far behind us now.
Also, “Killers of the Flower Moon” being screened is a good indicator that this will be a 2022 film. We recently reported that Apple/Paramount are eyeing a December release for the film.
Criterion's December lineup has some great additions to the library, but the title that jumped out at me is Werner Herzog's "Grizzly Man," which officially joins the Collection on December 8.