The Intricate Conclusion of Killers of the Flower Moon: A Comprehensive Analysis

A Closer Look: The Audacious Ending of Killers of the Flower Moon, Explained

Martin Scorsese’s Career-long Obsessions

Martin Scorsese’s latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon, is a testament to his career-long obsessions with storytelling and history. Adapted from David Grann’s nonfiction book, the film depicts the Osage Reign of Terror, a period of violence against the Osage people in Oklahoma in the early 20th century. Scorsese’s attention to detail and meticulous storytelling culminates in an audacious ending that raises important questions about historical accuracy and the power of narrative.

The Distorted History of the Osage Reign of Terror

Scorsese is well aware that previous adaptations of the Osage Reign of Terror did not accurately depict the events. In particular, Grann’s book highlights how the FBI, years after the killings began, used the case to promote itself through a radio drama in the 1930s called The Lucky Strike Hour. Scorsese draws inspiration from this radio drama, which provides the astonishing coda to his film.

Mollie Burkhart and Ernest Burkhart’s Love Story

Over the course of nearly three and a half hours, Scorsese portrays the story of Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman entitled to vast wealth due to the oil deposits on Osage land, and Ernest Burkhart, a white man who becomes entangled in a conspiracy to seize the Osage’s wealth. Despite the violence and betrayal, Mollie and Ernest’s love holds strong. Scorsese explores the complexity of their relationship and attempts to answer the question of why Mollie stayed with Ernest, a question even FBI agents asked themselves at the time.

A Personal, Devastating Ending

As the film draws to a close, Ernest is convicted for his crimes, and Mollie finally walks away from him, realizing the full extent of his betrayal. This personal and devastating scene, centered on Mollie’s agency, highlights an often overlooked aspect of Native American stories. But Scorsese doesn’t stop there. He takes a bold leap into the future, where a stage-produced radio drama reimagines the Osage story with an entirely white cast, a triumphant FBI hero, and neatly resolved villains. This version of the story bears no resemblance to the truth depicted in the film.

Scorsese’s Bold Intervention

In a surprising move, Scorsese steps onstage at the end of the film, reading a part of the story that never made it into The Lucky Strike Hour. He recounts what happened to Mollie after the events of the film, including her death in 1937. Scorsese’s presence in his own film is not new, but here it serves as a commentary on the limits of storytelling. Like Hitchcock, Scorsese is aware of the power he holds as the one behind the camera, but also acknowledges the limitations of a single perspective.

An Obsession with Storytelling

Scorsese’s obsession with storytelling is a recurring theme throughout his body of work. He often explores how real-life drama can be transformed or forgotten over time. In Gangs of New York, he juxtaposes the bloody action with newspaper headlines and gravestones covered in weeds, emphasizing how little is remembered. In Hugo, he depicts the destruction of Georges Méliès’ films, emphasizing the fragility of stories. And in The Irishman, the main character witnesses the erasure of his own violent actions from societal memory.

A Corrective to Myths

Killers of the Flower Moon and The Irishman can be seen as Scorsese’s late-career correctives to the myths of violent men and criminal enterprises perpetuated by his earlier films. In his attention to the Osage culture and history, Scorsese makes a significant contribution to the cinematic historical record. However, he recognizes the inherent limits of his perspective as an Italian American filmmaker telling a story centered on Native Americans.

The Uncertainty of History

Grann’s book also acknowledges the difficulty of reconstructing historical events. The Osage Reign of Terror involved numerous unsolved murders driven by greed for oil money. Even the best historians can only uncover fragments of the story, just as filmmakers can only tell a part of what they see. The final shot of the film, depicting a present-day Osage gathering, reminds us that the story ultimately belongs to the Osage people themselves.

Editorial: The Power and Limitations of Storytelling

The Importance of Accuracy

Scorsese’s approach to the ending of Killers of the Flower Moon raises important questions about the responsibility of filmmakers and storytellers to accurately portray history. While creative liberties can enhance storytelling, it is crucial to strike a balance between artistic interpretation and respect for the truth. In this case, Scorsese’s use of the radio drama as a framing device highlights how historical events can be distorted and manipulated for propaganda purposes.

Representation and Perspective

Scorsese’s presence in his own film and his self-awareness as a filmmaker with limited perspective also shed light on the broader issue of representation in the film industry. By acknowledging his own limitations, Scorsese invites us to reflect on who gets to tell whose stories and whose perspectives are often left out. It is a reminder that diverse voices and perspectives must be given space and respect in the cinematic landscape.

The Fragility of Memory

Through his exploration of storytelling, Scorsese reminds us of the fragility of memory and the potential for stories to be distorted or forgotten over time. History, particularly marginalized histories, can easily be erased or rewritten to fit certain narratives. As audience members, it is our responsibility to approach stories critically and seek out multiple perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the past.

Advice: Challenging Narratives and Seeking Diversity

Engage in Critical Analysis

When consuming films or any form of media that tackles historical events, it is important to engage in critical analysis. Question the narrative being presented and investigate the historical accuracy behind it. Look for multiple sources and perspectives to form a more nuanced understanding of the events being portrayed.

Support Diverse Voices

As consumers of media, we have the power to support diverse voices and perspectives. Seek out films and stories from underrepresented communities and support filmmakers who prioritize telling historically marginalized stories with authenticity and respect. By diversifying our media consumption, we contribute to a more inclusive and accurate representation of history.

Encourage Comprehensive Historical Education

Education plays a crucial role in challenging dominant narratives and amplifying marginalized voices. Encourage a comprehensive and inclusive approach to history in schools and educational institutions. By understanding the complexities and nuances of historical events, we can develop a more informed perspective and actively challenge distorted narratives.

In conclusion, the audacious ending of Killers of the Flower Moon not only highlights the power of storytelling but also raises important questions about historical accuracy, representation, and the fragility of memory. Scorsese’s film serves as a reminder of the responsibility of storytellers to approach history with integrity and examines the limitations of a single perspective in capturing the complexity of events. As audiences, we must engage critically, seek out diverse voices, and support comprehensive historical education to challenge dominant narratives and ensure a more accurate representation of history.