Differences Between the Film Adaptation of Killers of the Flower Moon and Martin Scorsese's Movie

Editor's note: The following contains spoilers for Killers of the Flower Moon.

The Big Picture

In the film adaptation of Killers of the Flower Moon, Mollie, played by Lily Gladstone, takes a prominent role compared to the book, as her story remains the central focus. Additionally, Robert De Niro's character of William Hale is depicted as unequivocally malevolent right from the beginning, openly scheming to commit further murders for financial gain, which contributes to the unsettling atmosphere of the film.

The differences between Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon and its source material are significant, making it a standout among historical dramas. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro, the film sheds light on the true events of the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma, where corruption and injustice ran deep. While the story itself remains unchanged, Scorsese's unique storytelling techniques, including an unexpected cameo and breaking the fourth wall, add to its powerful impact.

Killers of the Flower Moon, a riveting cinematic masterpiece directed by Martin Scorsese, is set to captivate audiences on October 20, 2023. This highly anticipated film features an exceptional ensemble cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser, Tantoo Cardinal, and Cara Jade Myers. Exploring the realms of drama, crime, and history, Killers of the Flower Moon promises to deliver a captivating and unforgettable experience. Brace yourself for an intense journey into the depths of human nature as this R-rated film immerses you in a world filled with suspense, emotion, and intrigue.

Lily Gladstone’s Mollie Is More Central in 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

Gladstone's presence on screen elevates the film to its peak, and it revolves predominantly around her character, Mollie, more so than the book. While it could have delved deeper into her story, this serves as a motivation to explore similar works, such as the upcoming Fancy Dance, by any means possible. Unlike the book, the film veers away from focusing solely on the formation of the FBI and instead places Mollie at the forefront. Rather than treating Mollie's poisoning as a mere backdrop while the investigation unfolds, as Grann did, the film relentlessly reminds us of this grim reality. As Scorsese himself stated in interviews, his intention was to depict the Osage story with utmost respect. While the film may still face criticism in its execution, this reframing of the narrative is one of the main ways it differentiates itself from the book. The intricate details of this transformation are revealed towards the end, but there are a couple of crucial elements that demand discussion beforehand.

Robert De Niro’s William Hale Is Clearly Evil From the Start in 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

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'Killers of the Flower Moon' Is Not About the FBI Solving a Mystery

De Niro’s latest collaboration with Scorsese is a departure from their previous work together. In this film, De Niro's character, Hale, is quickly revealed as a deceptive figure. While the book builds up the revelation of Hale being the mastermind behind the killings, the film takes a different approach. We discover Hale's true nature early on as he confesses his sinister plans to Ernest (DiCaprio) during their conversations. The chilling aspect is that De Niro's Hale openly orchestrates more murders for financial gain, seemingly without any remorse. Each act of violence, carried out in plain sight, adds to the growing terror as it feels like an impending disaster. What's even more unsettling is that those who could stop it not only choose to do nothing, but actually encourage it.

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While Jesse Plemons delivers a remarkable performance as investigator Tom White, who played a pivotal role in the middle of the book, it is important to note that this story does not depend on the government cavalry swooping in to save the day. Grann acknowledges, to his credit, that their intervention was insufficient in repairing the extensive damage caused. Moreover, they failed to uncover countless additional murders. Scorsese takes this one step further by compelling us to confront the deep-rooted corruption that permeated the entire situation. Unlike the book, which treated it as an unsolved mystery, we are fully aware of the culprits here, eagerly awaiting justice to be served before more lives are lost. The harsh reality is that justice can only partially stop the bloodshed, unable to completely heal the wound. In this aspect, Scorsese makes his final, yet most significant, modification to not only this story, but also to any film he has ever created.

Scorsese Himself Steps Under the Spotlight in 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

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In an unexpected twist where the director unveils the true essence of the entire film, we are transported from the narrative to a captivating radio play. Although Grann had alluded to these events and their diluted portrayal of what really occurred, Scorsese takes the initiative to vividly bring them to life. The climax of this scene features Scorsese himself stepping onto the stage, delivering the closing lines of the movie that point out how Mollie’s obituary overlooks the murders. This unconventional approach, breaking the fourth wall, is a risky move, but it effectively highlights how the immense suffering inflicted upon the Osage cannot be confined to the past. Despite the historical atrocities, the present also plays a significant role in perpetuating this dehumanization. Scorsese does not shy away from acknowledging his own contribution to this issue, revealing that there is still much more to be done to truly honor this history. As we are brought all the way into the present, it leaves us with one last poignant moment of enduring pain to grapple with.