Author Defends Significant Book Changes in Killers of the Flower Moon: A Necessary Revision

Article Overview

The movie adaptation of "Killers of the Flower Moon" focuses on the perspective of Mollie, an Osage character, rather than the three perspectives in the book.

Grann favors the alterations made to the screenplay, as he acknowledges that solely emphasizing the FBI's viewpoint would have distorted the historical account, providing only a limited portrayal of the narrative.

The Killers of the Flower Moon author is staunchly defending the movie adaptation. Martin Scorsese's film depicts the gruesome murders of Osage tribe members and delves into the consequential aftermath. It critically examines the true extent of justice that the FBI can deliver and provides a stark portrayal of life for indigenous people in 1920s Oklahoma. While the book primarily focuses on the perspective of the FBI, Scorsese chose to center the story on the character Mollie of the Osage tribe.

Author David Grann fully supports the alterations made in the movie adaptation. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Grann explained that the book presents three different viewpoints, which may not be feasible to incorporate fully within the constraints of a film's runtime and other logistical limitations. Moreover, the creators of Killers of the Flower Moon approached Grann seeking his approval for the numerous changes made in the adaptation, which he readily granted. Below is his statement:

Please include his quote below.

The book was narrated from three different perspectives: Mollie's, the FBI's, and the present-day descendants', which revealed that although the FBI caught a few killers, they were unsuccessful in uncovering the larger conspiracy. The book covered a wide range of history, starting from when the Osage claimed the central part of the country and extending to the present. However, translating this depth into a film would be impractical, and rightfully so. Hence, I believe their decision to focus on the relationship was the correct one.

When they initially approached me about changing the focus, I immediately agreed. Although I didn't see the original script, I understood that solely concentrating on the second perspective would have misrepresented the historical events. It would have provided just a glimpse rather than the comprehensive picture. Focusing on the relationship was the appropriate choice because it also symbolized the crimes committed. By grasping the dynamics of this relationship, one would gain insight into the bigger picture of what occurred. Therefore, I believed this direction was the correct approach.

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Source: EW

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the author's perspective and support for the significant changes made in the movie adaptation of "Killers of the Flower Moon." The decision to shift the focus from the FBI's perspective to that of Mollie, an Osage character, aligns with the current cultural zeitgeist that emphasizes diverse representation and marginalized voices. By centering the narrative on Mollie's experiences, the film can shed light on the historical injustices faced by indigenous communities and provide a more nuanced portrayal of the events.

Furthermore, I believe the author's argument about the impracticality of incorporating multiple perspectives within the constraints of a film's runtime is valid. Adapting a book into a movie requires making tough choices about what to include and what to leave out. The filmmakers' decision to focus on the relationship between Mollie and the FBI agent allows for a more intimate and emotionally resonant exploration of the story, while still conveying the broader historical context.