Marriage, murder, betrayal: the true story behind ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
Oct 26, 2023
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David Grann, author of 'Killers of the Flower Moon', and Osage Nation Principal Chief, Geoffrey Standing Bear, discuss the sinister plot that led to the murders of wealthy members of the Osage Nation in the 1920s. They delve into the adaptation of the book into a Martin Scorsese movie, the mysterious deaths and investigation, and the choice to focus on the relationship between Molly and Ernest. They also discuss the authenticity of the film and its impact in educating viewers about the Osage people's haunting history.
The Osage Nation, after striking oil in Oklahoma, became the richest people per capita in the world in the 1920s, only to be mercilessly hunted down by white Americans for their wealth in a sinister plot.
The film adaptation of 'Killers of the Flower Moon' stays true to the story by highlighting the relationship between Molly and Ernest, underscoring the culture of complicity that allowed the crimes against the Osage people to take place.
Deep dives
The Osage Nation's Oil Rights and Wealth
In the 19th century, the Osage Nation struck oil in Oklahoma, making them the richest people per capita in the world. They ensured that each member of the tribe received an equal share of the oil royalties through a head right, which could not be bought or sold and could only be inherited. This newfound wealth made them targets of a sinister plot by white Americans, resulting in the murder or disappearance of at least 60 Osage people during the Reign of Terror.
Molly Burkhardt and the Betrayal of the Osage
Molly Burkhardt, an Osage woman, became the focus of a concerted effort to inherit her head rights and wealth. Members of Molly's family were mysteriously dying, and she herself was falling sick. Federal investigators eventually uncovered the mastermind behind the killings, William K. Hale, and his accomplices, including Molly's husband Ernest. The story revolves around Molly's relationship with Ernest and the profound levels of betrayal experienced by the Osage community.
The Film Adaptation and Osage Involvement
The film adaptation of David Graham's book was highly anticipated and met with positive reviews from Osage community members. The involvement of Osage individuals behind and in front of the camera, alongside director Martin Scorsese's commitment to filming on location and accurately portraying Osage culture, added authenticity to the production. The film focuses on the relationship between Molly and Ernest, highlighting the larger theme of complicity and the culture of killing that enabled the crimes against the Osage people to occur.
After striking oil on their reservation, members of the Osage Nation became some of the richest people in the world in the 1920s. Then white Oklahomans began killing them for their wealth in a sinister and elaborate plot. These events are detailed by David Grann in his book Killers of the Flower Moon, which has recently adapted into a Martin Scorsese–directed movie for Apple TV+. Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu spoke with Grann and Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, a consultant on the film, about bringing this history to the big screen.
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