9 Surprising Changes in Killers of the Flower Moon Movie

9 Surprising Changes in Killers of the Flower Moon Movie

Discover how the film adaptation differs from the book and the true events it's based on.

A Clear Departure from the Source Material

Martin Scorsese's film adaptation of Killers of the Flower Moon takes a different approach to the true events that inspired it, diverging from the book's narrative and offering a unique perspective on the Osage murders.

Killers Of The Flower Moon Ernest Burkhart Smiling

Killers Of The Flower Moon Ernest Burkhart Smiling

The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, presents a fresh and intriguing take on the real-life events that inspired it, deviating from the book's account and providing a distinct viewpoint on the Osage murders.

killers of the flower moon movie

killers of the flower moon movie

Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese, offers a distinctive interpretation of the true events that shaped it, straying from the narrative of the book and presenting a captivating outlook on the Osage murders.

Lily Gladstone as Molly Burkhart smiles in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Lily Gladstone as Molly Burkhart smiles in Killers of the Flower Moon.

The Revelation of Murders

Contrary to the book, the film explicitly reveals the murders and the perpetrators' intentions from the outset, providing a stark contrast in storytelling approach.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart kneeling down in front of Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart in Killers of the Flower Moon

Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart kneeling down in front of Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart in Killers of the Flower Moon

In the movie, the murders and the individuals responsible are unveiled from the beginning, a departure from the book's narrative that adds a new dimension to the storytelling.

killers of the flower moon mollie ernest

killers of the flower moon mollie ernest

The film takes a different storytelling approach by immediately exposing the murders and their architects, in contrast to the book's gradual revelation, offering a fresh perspective on the narrative.

Lily Gladstone as Molly Burkhart smiles in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Lily Gladstone as Molly Burkhart smiles in Killers of the Flower Moon.

A Shift in Character Focus

Mollie and Ernest Burkhart take center stage in the film, a departure from Grann's book, which primarily follows agent Tom White's investigation of the Osage murders.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart and Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart in a field in Killers of the Flower Moon

Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart and Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart in a field in Killers of the Flower Moon

The film diverges from the book by placing Mollie and Ernest Burkhart at the forefront, shifting the focus from agent Tom White's role in the investigation of the Osage murders.

Robert De Niro as William Hale illuminated by firelight in Killers of the Flower Moon

Robert De Niro as William Hale illuminated by firelight in Killers of the Flower Moon

In a departure from the book, the film places Mollie and Ernest Burkhart in the spotlight, altering the narrative focus from agent Tom White's exploration of the Osage murders.

killers of the flower moon fbi informant

killers of the flower moon fbi informant

Uncovering the Full Conspiracy

The film suggests that the FBI did not fully uncover the extent of the murder conspiracy, diverging from Grann's belief that many perpetrators evaded justice and several crimes went unrecorded.

Cast of Killers of the Flower Moon

Cast of Killers of the Flower Moon

Contrary to Grann's perspective, the movie implies that the FBI failed to expose the complete extent of the murder conspiracy, shedding light on the differing interpretations of the events.

killers of the flower moon book changes

killers of the flower moon book changes

In contrast to Grann's assertions, the film presents the idea that the FBI did not fully unearth the intricacies of the murder conspiracy, offering a thought-provoking departure from the source material.

The Omission of Grann's Perspective

The film omits David Grann's personal perspective, which is prominent in the book, providing a distinct narrative approach that focuses solely on the cinematic portrayal of the events.

Brendan Fraser as W. S. Hamilton in Killers of the Flower Moon

Brendan Fraser as W. S. Hamilton in Killers of the Flower Moon

In a departure from the book, the movie excludes David Grann's personal perspective, opting for a cinematic narrative that offers a unique take on the story.

Leonardo DiCaprio Leaning Against His Car in Killers of the Flower Moon

Leonardo DiCaprio Leaning Against His Car in Killers of the Flower Moon

Contrary to the book, the film disregards David Grann's perspective, delivering a narrative that solely examines the story from a cinematic standpoint.

William is in his car, reaching for Ernest who is standing outside his car in Killers of the Flower Moon.

William is in his car, reaching for Ernest who is standing outside his car in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Historical Context and Additions

The film adds historical context about white violence, incorporating details such as the Ku Klux Klan scene and the mention of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, which are not present in the book, offering a broader perspective on the American social landscape.

Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) looking at William (Robert De Niro), while they play pool in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) looking at William (Robert De Niro), while they play pool in Killers of the Flower Moon.

In a departure from the book, the film introduces additional historical context about white violence, including the Ku Klux Klan scene and the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, providing a more comprehensive view of the American social backdrop.

killers of the flower moon fbi

killers of the flower moon fbi

Contrary to the book, the movie incorporates supplementary historical details about white violence, such as the Ku Klux Klan scene and the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, enriching the portrayal of the American social milieu.

Mollie (Lily Gladstone) with an angry look on her face with Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) behind her in Killers of the Flower Moon. 

Mollie (Lily Gladstone) with an angry look on her face with Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) behind her in Killers of the Flower Moon. 

The Absence of W.W. Vaughan

The film excludes the character of W.W. Vaughan, a significant figure in the attempts to find the killers, diverging from the book's portrayal of his involvement in the investigation.

Contrary to the book, the movie does not feature W.W. Vaughan, a key figure in the pursuit of the killers, offering a unique take on the narrative.

In a departure from the book, the film omits W.W. Vaughan, a pivotal character in the quest to uncover the truth, presenting a distinct viewpoint on the story.

Leonardo DiCaprio scowling as Ernest in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Leonardo DiCaprio scowling as Ernest in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Mollie's Investigative Efforts

The film depicts Mollie's pursuit of justice through the hiring of private investigators, a departure from the book's account of her engagement with a team of investigators, highlighting the differences in storytelling.

Contrary to the book, the movie presents Mollie's investigative endeavors as a solitary pursuit, diverging from the narrative of her involvement with a team of investigators, offering a new perspective on her quest for justice.

Robert De Niro as William Hale and Brendan Fraser as W. S. Hamilton sit in court in Killers of the Flower Moon

Robert De Niro as William Hale and Brendan Fraser as W. S. Hamilton sit in court in Killers of the Flower Moon

In a departure from the book, the film portrays Mollie's investigative efforts as an individual endeavor, shedding light on the differences in her pursuit of justice.

The Role of Kelsie Morrison

The film highlights Kelsie Morrison's involvement as an FBI informant, diverging from the book's account of his role in the murders and his collaboration with the Bureau of Investigation.

Contrary to the book, the movie introduces Kelsie Morrison as an FBI informant, offering a unique interpretation of his involvement in the investigation and his association with the authorities.

In a departure from the book, the film portrays Kelsie Morrison as an FBI informant, shedding light on the differences in his role and collaboration with the authorities.