If there is one scene in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” that is coming up in conversation a lot, it is that of the surprising spanking scene between Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio’s characters.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The scene takes place halfway through the film and unfolds at a Masonic lodge. After an ill-considered insurance scam by Ernest Burkhart (DiCaprio) goes south, William Hale (De Niro) opts to punish Ernest by having him bend over and using a giant paddle to slap his backside multiple times.
The scene is played for slightly absurdist dark comedy, and seems a little random (albeit totally in line with Scorsese’s past works). The event is certainly not in the original non-fiction book by David Grann chronicling the Osage Nation murders during the 1920s.
Turns out, it was not in the original script either according to Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto. Speaking with Insider, he says the scene was added later and shot mostly for real:
“I don’t think that was in the first script. That was something that was added, and it’s shocking in the film. I do remember doing them quite a few times and thinking, ‘Oh, that must hurt’. There was some padding on his butt. But you could tell De Niro was really hitting him. Leo is game for so much, he’ll do anything.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is currently playing in cinemas worldwide and has so far grossed $44 million over its opening weekend.
