Synopsis:

The primary plot point removed was Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his car theft insurance scheme. I also removed, shortened or rearranged a number of scenes that spoil who is behind the Osage nation deaths. Finally, I created a new version of the epilogue. It's the same information but instead of an old timey radio play, I turned it into a silent film using title cards and footage that I had cut. This matches the silent film motif already running throughout the movie. In my mind, this truly becomes a superior first-time viewing. Not only is the mystery preserved, but Lily Gladstone as Mollie becomes a significantly more prominent character. My hard rule was that no scene with Mollie would be cut. I also think this makes DeNiro's performance stronger. With less screen time, he becomes more enigmatic.

Intentions:

While I overall enjoyed the movie, it was in some ways too long (Ernest's shenanigans) and in others not long enough (the actual investigation and trial). It also spoils any sense of suspense within the first 10 minutes - giving away the entire mystery from the start. I've cut over 30 minutes from the runtime and reordered many scenes. It's now 2 hours and 54 minutes, down from 3 hours and 26 minutes.

Change List:

Throughout - hardcoded Osage language subtitles All timecodes are + or - 10 seconds 0:00:00 - Added FE.org intro and Edit by title card 0:07:30 - Cut Ernest (E) and Hale (H) scene inside house 0:07:30 - Cut Mollie monologue with archival footage 0:13:15 - Shortened scene at Hale's dining table 0:27:45 - Cut E + H scene at pool hall 0:29:15 - Cut extended dancing shot 0:33:15 - Cut out part of E + H porch conversation 0:46:00 - Cut the first part of body discovery scene 0:55:00 - Cut another E + H pool hall scene 0:55:30 - Cut car theft subplot 0:58:30 - Cut entire Masonic Lodge scene 0:59:15 - Cut moonshine plotting scene 1:11:45 - Recut murder flashback to hide the culprits 1:15:30 - Inserted Mollie monologue with archival footage 1:17:00 - Cut fake suicide murder plot 1:18:45 - Cut beginning of E + H driving scene 1:25:00 - Cut 'Find Asa Kirby' scenes 1:39:30 - Cut E + H scene at town festival 1:45:45 - Cut conspirator betrayal scenes 1:48:00 - Cut segment of E + H car conversation 2:00:45 - Cut reference to car theft plot 2:01:00 - Inserted hiring Blackie (B) scene 2:02:00 - Cut E + B segment arguing over money 2:02:30 - Cut reference to car theft plot 2:02:45 - Inserted scene plotting use of explosives 2:07:45 - Inserted fake suicide murder plot 2:14:45 - Inserted B conspirator betrayal scene 2:35:45 - Cut portion of E + H confrontation 2:36:30 - Cut portion of E + H confrontation 2:43:30 - Recreated radio play as silent film motif 2:45:45 - Ending continues with Osage drums and credits

Additional Notes:

There are two versions available, both with 5.1 surround sound. The first is h264 1080p at just over 6gb and the second is upscaled h265 4k at 24gb.