Discover the gripping tale behind ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ a cinematic masterpiece directed by Martin Scorsese. Hailed for Leonardo DiCaprio’s stellar performance, the film unravels the true story of Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma, echoing David Grann’s book. Uncover the reign of terror, FBI intervention, and the restoration of trust, as Scorsese’s adaptation dives into the cultural complexities of the Osage Nation.
After premiering at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Killers of the Flower Moon earned acclaim as “magnificent,” praising Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance. DiCaprio stars as Ernest Burkhart in this three-and-a-half-hour film by Martin Scorsese, based on David Grann’s book about Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma.
The Osage Nation, once forcibly displaced, settled in Oklahoma, owning valuable land with oil. Swindlers targeted their wealth, leading to the “Reign of Terror” in 1921, where wealthy Osage were murdered. Mollie Burkhart’s family became central to the plot.
Private investigators were hired after Osage member Anna Brown’s murder in 1921. J. Edgar Hoover’s agent, Tom White, led the FBI investigation, exposing a conspiracy involving William Hale and Ernest Burkhart. The trial resulted in convictions, but Grann’s research hinted at a larger criminal operation.
Scorsese, working on the film, collaborated with Osageleaders, shifting the focus to Osage culture. Chief Standing Bear acknowledged the film’s portrayal of trust and betrayal, noting the restoration of trust by Scorsese and his team.
