Book Review: “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann

“Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” is a meticulously researched non-fiction book by David Grann, published in 2017. This gripping narrative uncovers one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history, blending elements of true crime, historical exposé, and cultural commentary.

Plot Summary: The book focuses on a series of murders that took place in the Osage Nation in Oklahoma during the 1920s. After oil was discovered beneath their land, the Osage became the richest people per capita in the world. However, this newfound wealth attracted the attention of unscrupulous white settlers who manipulated, extorted, and murdered the Osage to gain control of their money.

Grann’s narrative follows several threads:

1. The story of Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman whose family members were murdered one by one.
2. The investigation led by former Texas Ranger Tom White, who was appointed by the young J. Edgar Hoover to solve the case.
3. Grann’s own research, which uncovers a broader conspiracy that went far beyond the crimes officially solved by the Bureau of Investigation (later the FBI).

Writing Style: Grann’s prose is clear and engaging, skillfully weaving together complex historical details with a compelling narrative drive. He combines the pacing of a thriller with the depth of serious historical research, making the book both informative and highly readable.

Themes: The book explores several important themes:

1. Systemic racism and exploitation of Native Americans
2. The corrupting influence of greed and power
3. The development of modern law enforcement techniques
4. The often-overlooked chapters of American history

Critical Reception: “Killers of the Flower Moon” was met with widespread critical acclaim. It was a finalist for the National Book Award and named one of the best books of the year by numerous publications. Critics praised Grann’s thorough research, compelling storytelling, and his ability to shed light on a largely forgotten episode of American history.

Historical Significance: The book is significant not only for its exploration of the Osage murders but also for its examination of the early days of the FBI. It provides insight into how modern investigative techniques developed and how the Bureau of Investigation transformed into the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover’s leadership.

Moreover, Grann’s work brings attention to a dark chapter of American history that had been largely overlooked, highlighting the systematic exploitation and murder of Native Americans.

Movie Adaptation: A film adaptation of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, is set to be released in 2023.

While the film is not yet out at the time of this writing, there’s considerable anticipation due to the high-profile nature of the project. Scorsese is known for his meticulous approach to historical subjects, as seen in films like “Gangs of New York” and “The Irishman,” suggesting that the adaptation will likely strive for historical accuracy while also delivering a compelling cinematic experience.

The casting of Lily Gladstone, an actress of Blackfeet and Nez Perce descent, as Mollie Burkhart, is particularly noteworthy and has been praised as a step towards more authentic representation of Native Americans in film.

It will be interesting to see how Scorsese adapts Grann’s multifaceted narrative for the screen. The book’s structure, which includes Grann’s own investigations, may be challenging to translate to film, and it remains to be seen how much of this aspect will be included.

Given the historical importance of the events depicted and the high-caliber talent involved, the film adaptation has the potential to bring this crucial story to an even wider audience, furthering the book’s impact in raising awareness about this dark chapter of American history.

Conclusion: “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a powerful work that combines expert historical research with gripping storytelling. David Grann has shed light on a series of crimes that had been largely forgotten, bringing overdue attention to the systematic exploitation of the Osage people.

The book serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing legacy of racism and colonialism in America, while also exploring the roots of modern law enforcement. Its exploration of greed, corruption, and the pursuit of justice resonates strongly in today’s sociopolitical climate.

Movie Adaptation:

The film adaptation of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, was released in 2023 to critical acclaim.

The film closely follows the book’s narrative, focusing on the systematic murder of Osage people in 1920s Oklahoma after oil was discovered on their land. Scorsese’s direction brings the historical period to life with meticulous detail, while also capturing the tension and horror of the unfolding crimes.

Key aspects of the film adaptation:

1. Cast Performance: Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Ernest Burkhart, a white man who marries into the Osage tribe, is nuanced and complex. Robert De Niro delivers a chilling performance as William Hale, the mastermind behind the murders. However, it’s Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart who steals the show, bringing depth and humanity to her role as an Osage woman caught in the middle of the conspiracy.
2. Narrative Focus: The film adaptation chose to center more on Ernest Burkhart’s perspective, slightly diverging from the book’s structure. This decision allows for a more intimate look at the complicity of white settlers in the exploitation of the Osage.
3. Visual Storytelling: Scorsese’s trademark visual style is evident throughout, with cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto capturing both the beauty of the Oklahoma landscape and the dark undercurrents of the story.
4. Historical Accuracy: The film has been praised for its commitment to historical accuracy, including its portrayal of Osage culture and the details of the time period.
5. Length and Pacing: At over three hours long, the film is an epic in true Scorsese fashion. While some critics found the length challenging, many praised the director’s ability to maintain tension throughout.

Critical Reception:

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many calling it one of Scorsese’s best works. It premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation. The film has been praised for its unflinching look at a dark chapter of American history, its strong performances, and Scorsese’s masterful direction.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including nods for Best Picture, Best Director, and acting nominations for its leads at various prestigious award ceremonies.

Impact:

The film adaptation has significantly amplified the reach of Grann’s book, bringing this important story to a wider audience. It has reignited discussions about the historical and ongoing exploitation of Native Americans, the legacy of colonialism, and the need for proper representation in Hollywood.

The success of “Killers of the Flower Moon” as both a book and a film underscores the power of storytelling in shedding light on overlooked historical injustices and provoking important conversations about race, power, and American history.