Unraveling the Enigma of Killers of the Flower Moon: Scorsese Uncovers the Crux Behind the Book's Greatest Mystery
Unveiling the profound impact of Killers of the Flower Moon's enigmatic storyline Discover why the absence of a traditional mystery only enhances its devastating narrative
Summary
Killers of the Flower Moon deviates from the book's focus on mystery, as director Martin Scorsese emphasizes that the true enigma lies not in identifying the culprits, but in understanding their motives.
The absence of suspense in the movie does not diminish its significance, considering that the Osage Reign of Terror case took a painfully long time to be resolved and eventually faded into oblivion. Killers of the Flower Moon seeks to illuminate the overlooked history of the Osage murders and the oppressive dynamics between white settlers and Indigenous communities, emphasizing on the motivations and complexities of human behavior rather than uncovering the specific culprits.
Director Martin Scorsese elucidates the reason behind the deviation from the book's central mystery in Killers of the Flower Moon. This grand Western crime drama depicts the true account of the Osage Reign of Terror, wherein the Osage Nation encountered a series of murders following their newfound wealth from oil discovery in Oklahoma during the 1920s. While the film is based on journalist David Grann's nonfiction book of the same title, it showcases notable discrepancies.
During an interview with IndieWire, Scorsese discusses the most significant divergence between Killers of the Flower Moon and Grann's book. In Grann's book, readers embark on a harrowing investigation alongside him. However, the movie promptly reveals the identity of the culprit, eliminating the element of "whodunnit" for the audience. This deliberate choice stems from Scorsese's belief that the primary enigma lies not in the perpetrator's identity but rather in understanding their motives. Please read his statement below:
Because it doesn't matter who did it? They all did it. So, what is it within our human nature that compels us to act in such a way? What flaw exists within us that leads us to exploit others and view ourselves as superior? As a fellow European American, hailing from the southern climate of Sicily, I understand that our experiences may differ from those in northern climates like Europe and Scandinavia. Many individuals migrated and settled in new lands, adhering to a work ethic where hard work equated to blessings from God. However, it seems unjust when viewed from the perspective of another group, such as the Osage. Why should these individuals, who may not work in the same manner, suddenly be blessed with immense wealth simply because it exists beneath the ground? Firstly, they may not follow the Christian faith, and their understanding of money might be limited.
Why The Lack Of Mystery Doesn't Hurt Killers Of The Flower Moon
It may come as a surprise that Killers of the Flower Moon does not primarily delve into the mystery element of the story. Despite the fact that the case remained a mystery to those involved for a significant period of time, the investigation progressed at a painfully sluggish pace. The prevalence of lawlessness in the Western region during that era, coupled with the discrimination faced by Indigenous people, contributed to the delay. Remarkably, it took five years after the first murder for an arrest to be made, during which approximately 60 Osage individuals lost their lives. Furthermore, although the case eventually spurred an FBI investigation, it gradually faded into obscurity in the aftermath.
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Prior to the publication of Grann's book in 2017, the Osage murders remained relatively unknown. In 2016, searching for information on this subject would yield less than a hundred results. The majority of people were unaware of this dark narrative beyond the confines of the Osage Nation. America preferred to overlook its troubled relationship with Indigenous people, and the disturbing reality of how avaricious and envious white settlers inflicted terror upon a nation that had already endured multiple displacements. Grann's decision to present the story as a mystery was fitting, as very few had ever been exposed to the tale previously.
Given the basis of basing Killers of the Flower Moon on an already solved true tale, it is important to recognize that there is little mystery remaining. While Grann's book garnered national fascination, the culprits had already been apprehended, prosecuted, and found guilty long before its publication. Consequently, if the film attempted to unravel the question of who committed the crime, it would largely be revealing known information to the audience. To distinguish itself from the book and other sources, Killers of the Flower Moon had to delve deeper into exploring human motivation and nature.
