Killers of the Flower Moon Film Exhibit!

At the Culver City Apple Campus was the film exhibit for Killers of the Flower Moon! This featured many of the filmmaking items, including costumes and props, used in the making of the Martin Scorsese movie. The film is based on the David Grann non-fiction book which covered the Osage murders known as the “Reign of Terror” in the 1920s. Outside of the building was a 1920’s era black car. The exhibit begins with a plaque showing “Wi’-gi-e” (2009), a poem by Osage poet, Elise Paschen. This is a poem meaning “Prayer” that deals about the death of Anna Kyle Brown. A ramp leads to statements by Scorsese and Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear. Below it is Scorsese’s personal copy of Killers of the Flower Moon, marked in pencils with Post-It notes throughout the pages. 

The costumes of Reta, Mollie, Annie, and Minnie at the Killers of the Flower Moon Film Exhibit, author’s photo.

There is a long panel showing a field of purple viola flowers and the Oklahoma hills behind recreations of grass. This ends with a section showing a quote by composer, Robbie Roberston, who passed away after completing his work on the movie. It begins, “Starting at Six Nations when music comes along in my life.. and then to my history with Martin Scorsese, all the movies leading up to `Killers of the Flower Moon’ - the fact ahtt we’re getting to do a western in our own way, you couldn’t have written this.” Robertson’s guitar is mounted next to Scorsese’s quote, “Robbie Robertson was on of my closest friends, a constant in my life and work.” The beginning of the exhibition shows a very meaningful subject with Paschen’s poem and then how personal it was to the two filmmakers. 

This leads to a tent with a table with four hats worn during the wedding ceremony of the film. A large photo of the wedding guests are seen behind it. The exhibit features the work by costume designer Jacqueline West. This is followed by the wedding attire of Mollie Burkhart played by Lily Gladstone and the suit, blanket, and hat of Leonardo di Caprio’s character, Ernest Burkhart. Then, there are quotes by West, “The blanket for the Osage women was like armor. They almost didn’t go out of the house without a blanket.” There was a display of the various blankets, it was stunning to see the patterns and colors up close. Three costumes followed of a male and female ancestor as well the attire of Lizzie Q (Tantoo Cardinal), the mother of Mollie. 

The costumes of the Osage Officiant, Mollie’s Baby Naming Ceremony Attire, and Ernest Burkhart, photo by the author.

Director of photography, Rodrigo Prieto’s quote had a plaque explaining the natural colors used with in photographing Mollie, her family, and the Osage. A wall mount had some photos and a quote by casting director, Ellen Lewis, “Lily Gladstone is the heart and soul of this film.” This had the black blouse and blanket of Mollie Kyle with a photo of her character at a river. Then, there was the costumes of a Osage officiant and Mollie’s Baby Naming Ceremony Attire along with Ernest’s costume. On the other side of the room is a recreation of Mollie’s bedroom with props that made it look like walking on a set. The costumes of all of the Kyle sisters is almost a centerpiece that leads to the rest of the exhibition.

It features the blankets and brown collared dress of Reta (Janae Collins), Mollie’s custom blouse, the Brown River Dress of Anna (Cara Jade Myers), and black dress of Minnie (Jillian Dion). A case of jewelry, fans, and other props are next to the display. On the next level is the black and white dress worn by Cardinal at the Cannes film premiere. Next to it was the red blanket worn by consulting producr, Chad Renfro. This limited edition blanket was for a fundraiser for the Osage Nation Foundation. Above it is an Osage quote, “Against all odds, the Osage people will endure.” The area to the left had the room and wooden table where the Osage men and women met to discuss the situation with six costumes from the film. A quiet area. Behind it is the recreation of McInroy’s Billard Parlor. 

Recreation of the billard parlor with the costumes of Tom White, William Hale, and Ernest Burkhart, author's photo. 

A case had an Osage moccasins, hat, and jewelry. Another one had more props, the book, Osage Culture & History, a paddle, and the insulin bottle. Standing in front of the barber’s chair is the suit and overcoat of William Hale played by Robert DeNiro. Behind him at the corner of the parlor is charcoal suit and hat of agent, Tom White, played by Jesse Plemons. To the side of the cue wall rack is the hat, orange and brown striped Pendleton Coat, and leather boots of Ernest. Past the billard table is a wall with hats and a mounted bison head. Killers of the Flower Moon is an introduction to the Osage people, their culture, and traditions. It covers the tragedy of the Reign of Terror, but also showcases the story of Mollie Kyle and her family. It offers audiences the chance to learn more about her story and about the Osage Nation. Thanks to Apple and all of the staff for an exhibit that encompasses the themes of the movie, some of the beauty of the Osage, and the work of the filmmakers of Killers of the Flower Moon!  

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