Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” brings to the screen a harrowing chapter of American history: the systematic exploitation and murder of the Osage Nation for their oil wealth. While a dramatic adaptation, the film hews remarkably close to the documented historical record, though certain artistic licenses and narrative choices inevitably alter specific events and character emphases.
The Foundation of Truth: Rooted in History
The film is based on David Grann’s meticulously researched non-fiction book of the same name. Grann spent years investigating the Osage murders, uncovering a conspiracy that implicated prominent members of the community, including local law enforcement and respected figures. Scorsese’s film reflects this core truth: the Osage were systematically murdered to steal their headrights (ownership shares of the Osage Nation’s mineral wealth). The pervasive racism and corruption that allowed these crimes to flourish are also accurately depicted. However, as a cinematic narrative, the film makes certain choices in focusing on specific characters and streamlining complex events, leading to some departures from the strict historical timeline.
Leaning into Ernest Burkhart’s Perspective
One of the most significant narrative choices is framing the story largely through the eyes of Ernest Burkhart, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. While the book details the broader investigation and the FBI’s role, the film focuses on Ernest’s moral struggle (or lack thereof) and his involvement in the conspiracy orchestrated by his uncle, William Hale, portrayed by Robert De Niro. This emphasis, while compelling dramatically, potentially overshadows the experiences and perspectives of the Osage people themselves. It also simplifies the scope of the conspiracy; while Hale was undoubtedly a central figure, many others were involved in the murders and exploitation.
Mollie Burkhart: A Voice for the Osage
Mollie Burkhart, played by Lily Gladstone, is a crucial character, representing the Osage victims. The film portrays her illness, likely resulting from poisoning, and her gradual realization of Ernest’s betrayal. The film’s portrayal of Mollie’s strength and resilience, even as she grapples with immense personal loss, is generally considered accurate. However, some critics have argued that the film still centers the white perspective, even when Mollie is present, diminishing the comprehensive scope of the Osage experience. The nuanced complexities of her character, detailed extensively in Grann’s book, could arguably have been further explored.
The FBI’s Late Arrival
The film depicts the eventual involvement of the FBI, then a fledgling organization under J. Edgar Hoover, in investigating the murders. While the FBI did ultimately play a crucial role in solving the case, their involvement in the film is slightly expedited. In reality, the investigation was fraught with delays, incompetence, and corruption. The film condenses this timeline for narrative efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Did William Hale really orchestrate the Osage murders?
Yes, William Hale, a prominent rancher and businessman in Osage County, was the mastermind behind the conspiracy to murder Osage people for their headrights. Evidence uncovered during the investigations, including confessions and testimonies, definitively linked him to the murders of Anna Brown, Mollie Burkhart’s sister, and numerous others.
FAQ 2: How much money did the Osage Nation earn from oil?
The Osage Nation became incredibly wealthy in the early 20th century after oil was discovered on their reservation. At its peak, the Osage royalty income reached over $30 million per year, which translates to hundreds of millions of dollars in today’s money. This wealth made them targets for exploitation and violence.
FAQ 3: Were the Osage people declared legally incompetent?
Yes, to control their finances, many Osage individuals were declared legally incompetent and assigned white guardians who were supposed to manage their wealth. This system was rife with corruption, as guardians often embezzled funds or outright stole from their Osage wards. This aspect is accurately depicted in the film.
FAQ 4: How many Osage people were murdered during this period?
The exact number of Osage murders is unknown, but estimates range from dozens to hundreds. The “Reign of Terror,” as it became known, spanned several years, and many deaths were initially attributed to natural causes or accidents, obscuring the true nature of the crimes.
FAQ 5: Was Ernest Burkhart truly in love with Mollie?
The film suggests a complex and conflicted relationship between Ernest and Mollie. Whether Ernest genuinely loved Mollie or was primarily motivated by greed is a subject of debate. Historians and viewers have differing interpretations based on available evidence and the film’s portrayal. He clearly cared for her, but that did not stop him from participating in the plot to kill her family and ultimately try to kill her.
FAQ 6: How accurate is the portrayal of the medical practices of the time?
The medical practices depicted in the film are largely accurate for the early 20th century. Unregulated medicines and questionable treatments were common, and the lack of forensic science made it difficult to detect poisoning.
FAQ 7: What happened to William Hale after he was convicted?
William Hale was convicted of the murder of Henry Roan and sentenced to life in prison. He was later paroled in 1947 and died in 1962.
FAQ 8: What happened to Ernest Burkhart after his involvement was revealed?
Ernest Burkhart initially denied involvement but later confessed and testified against William Hale. He was also convicted and sentenced to life in prison, but he was later paroled. He eventually returned to Osage County and died in 1986.
FAQ 9: How did the FBI get involved in the Osage murders?
Under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover, the Bureau of Investigation (later the FBI) was brought in to investigate the Osage murders after local law enforcement failed to solve the case. They used new forensic techniques and undercover work to gather evidence and ultimately bring the perpetrators to justice.
FAQ 10: What are “headrights” and why were they so valuable?
Headrights were ownership shares of the Osage Nation’s mineral estate. When oil was discovered, these headrights generated enormous wealth, making the Osage Nation among the richest people per capita in the world. Because the headrights could be inherited, non-Osage people often sought to marry into Osage families to gain control of these valuable assets.
FAQ 11: How has the Osage Nation responded to the film?
The Osage Nation has been actively involved in the making of the film, serving as consultants and providing input on cultural accuracy. While acknowledging the pain of revisiting this dark chapter, many members of the Osage Nation hope that the film will raise awareness of their history and the injustices they suffered.
FAQ 12: What legacy has the “Reign of Terror” left on the Osage Nation?
The “Reign of Terror” had a devastating impact on the Osage Nation, resulting in the loss of lives, wealth, and trust. It continues to affect the Osage people today, serving as a reminder of the importance of protecting their sovereignty and preserving their culture. The film, while a difficult subject, offers a platform to educate the broader public about this crucial part of American history.
Conclusion: A Necessary, Imperfect History
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a powerful and important film that sheds light on a largely forgotten chapter of American history. While it takes some artistic liberties and focuses on specific characters, it remains largely faithful to the core historical events. The film serves as a vital reminder of the injustices suffered by the Osage Nation and the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past. While imperfect in its narrative choices, it undoubtedly sparks crucial conversations about greed, racism, and the enduring legacy of the “Reign of Terror.”