Lily Gladstone says her 'stomach flipped' when she saw Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Killers of the Flower Moon' costume

Lily Gladstone has earned praise for her nuanced performance as Mollie, an Osage woman navigating a grim past, in 'Killers of the Flower Moon'
PUBLISHED DEC 6, 2023
Lily Gladstone as Mollie and Leonardo Di Caprio as Ernest Burkhart in 'Killers of the Flower Moon' (IMDb)
Lily Gladstone as Mollie and Leonardo Di Caprio as Ernest Burkhart in 'Killers of the Flower Moon' (IMDb)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Lily Gladstone is still reeling from the experience of working with Leonardo DiCaprio on Martin Scorsese's new film 'Killers of the Flower Moon'.

The actress, who plays DiCaprio's love interest in the film, admitted that she was a bit starstruck when she first saw him in costume.

The film, which has been hailed as a masterpiece, also stars Robert De Niro besides Gladstone and DiCaprio.

SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 25:  Actor Lily Gladstone attends the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Award
Lily Gladstone attends the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Award in Santa Monica (Getty Images)

Lily Gladstone's reaction to DiCaprio's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' character

Set in 1920s Oklahoma, the film follows the investigation into the murders of Osage Nation members, who were targeted for their wealth derived from oil discoveries.

Gladstone, who plays Mollie, an Osage woman and heiress to a large fortune, recalled during a segment of the 'Jimmy Kimmel Show' the moment she first saw DiCaprio in costume as her character's husband.

"I remember the first time I saw him on set in costume," she said. "My stomach flipped. He was so fully embodied in this character. It was like, 'Oh my God, this is real.'"

The transformation was so convincing but also a bit jarring, Gladstone admitted. "It was a little bit intimidating," she confessed. "He's so intense and focused. It was a lot to take in."

But Gladstone also found DiCaprio's dedication to the role inspiring.

"He's so committed to his craft," she said. "He's always thinking about his character and how to make him as real as possible. It was a privilege to work with him."



 

Gladstone on what she learned from De Niro and DiCaprio

Gladstone also has high praise for her co-star Robert De Niro, who plays a powerful rancher with ties to the Osage murders.

"He's a legend," she said. "He's so effortless in his performance. It's like he's not even acting. He just is the character."

Working with such seasoned actors was a masterclass for Gladstone. "I learned so much from them," she said.

"They taught me about the importance of preparation, the power of presence, and the importance of staying true to the character," Gladstone added.

'Killers of the Flower Moon' has been described as a powerful and disturbing film, but Gladstone says it's also an important story that needs to be told.

"It's a story about greed, corruption, and the abuse of power," she said. "But it's also a story about resilience and the fight for justice."

"It's an honor to be a part of this project," she added. "It's a story that's important to tell, and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Internet all praise for Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone's captivating performance in 'Killers of the Flower Moon' has sparked enthusiastic reactions online.

One user wrote, "Lily is such an amazing voice for the indigenous people of the world. You can truly tell she's down to earth and just happy to be there. I have no doubt that will make history and be nominated for Best Actress."

Another said, "She is a mesmerizing actress. A genuine find! I hope this is the first of many major roles for her."

"Her presence was so powerful in Killers of the flower moon....! One of my favourite performance of 2023!," someone else commented.

"So excited to finally have more press with Lily! I am sure all the attention is unnerving, but I enjoy hearing her speak so much," another said.

"She seems like a really cool and down to earth lady," a user wrote.

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