The True Story Behind Jesse Plemons’ "Killers of the Flower Moon" Character
"Killers of the Flower Moon" is an upcoming crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Jesse Plemons. The movie is based on the true story of the Osage Nation murders in the 1920s, a dark period in American history that involved corruption, greed, and brutal violence. Jesse Plemons plays the role of Stanley Markham, a Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) agent who was tasked with solving the murders. But what’s the true story behind Plemons’ character?
In the early 1920s, the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe in Oklahoma, struck oil on their land, making them one of the wealthiest tribes in the United States. However, their newfound wealth attracted the attention of outsiders, including wealthy businessmen, politicians, and law enforcement officials who saw an opportunity to profit from their riches. These individuals, including some OSBI agents, began to murder Osage people to gain control of their mineral rights and inherit their wealth.
Stanley Markham, the character played by Jesse Plemons, was a real-life OSBI agent who was part of the investigation into the murders. Markham was a tough, no-nonsense agent who was determined to solve the crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice. According to historical records, Markham was one of the few agents who remained impartial and dedicated to justice, unlike some of his colleagues who were compromised by their own interests.
In the film, Markham’s character is portrayed as a complex and nuanced figure, struggling with his own moral compass as he navigates the treacherous world of corruption and violence. Plemons’ performance brings depth and humanity to the character, making Markham a compelling and relatable figure.
The real-life Stanley Markham was born in 1891 in Oklahoma and joined the OSBI in 1917. He was part of the investigation into the Osage murders, which lasted from 1921 to 1925. During this time, Markham worked closely with a young FBI agent named Tom White, who was also part of the investigation.
The Osage murders were a series of brutal killings that targeted Osage people, often using methods such as poisoning, shooting, and bludgeoning. The victims were mostly women and children, and the motive behind the murders was primarily financial. The killings were carried out by individuals who were connected to the oil industry, including some OSBI agents and Oklahoma state officials.
Markham’s investigation was marked by setbacks and challenges, including resistance from corrupt officials and intimidation from the perpetrators. However, he remained dedicated to solving the crimes and eventually uncovered a web of corruption that went all the way to the top of the Oklahoma government.
In the end, Markham’s efforts helped to bring about justice for the Osage people, and several perpetrators were convicted and imprisoned for their crimes. However, the true extent of the corruption and violence was not fully revealed until years later, when a journalist named David Grann investigated the case and wrote a book about it, "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI."
The film adaptation of Grann’s book, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Jesse Plemons, is expected to bring the true story of the Osage Nation murders to a wider audience. The movie promises to be a gripping and powerful drama that explores the themes of corruption, violence, and justice.
As the film nears its release, fans of the true story are eagerly awaiting the chance to see Jesse Plemons bring Stanley Markham to life on the big screen. With his performance, Plemons will not only pay tribute to the real-life agent who helped to solve the Osage murders but also help to keep the memory of this dark period in American history alive.