Oliver Stone’s movie Pure Born Killers is likely one of the most controversial movies of its time. Launched in 1994, the movie stars Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis in a movie characterised by intense violence and a frenetic modifying model.
The movie goes past merely displaying violence; it additionally examines the best way violence is depicted within the media, the exploitative nature of tv, and the affect such tales have on American tradition, particularly youth.
Because the thirtieth anniversary of Pure Born Killers approaches, viewers are curious to know if the movie relies on true occasions.
The movie’s vivid depiction of violence and its commentary on society has led many to query its accuracy and satirization of recent America. Whereas the movie isn’t based mostly on a single true story, it’s linked to a number of true tales of violence.
Inspiration from Starkweather and Fugate
The characters Mickey and Mallory Knox in Pure Born Killers had been influenced by real-life criminals Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate. In early 1958, Starkweather and Fugate went on a killing spree throughout Nebraska and Wyoming, killing 9 individuals.
There are clear parallels between the movie and these real-life occasions. For instance, the age distinction between Mickey and Mallory within the movie mirrors that of Starkweather and Fugate, though they had been at completely different levels in life.
Starkweather led Fugate right into a violent life-style and murdered her mother and father, just like how Mickey murders Mallory’s mother and father within the movie. Nonetheless, the movie takes a unique method in some areas; whereas Mallory’s youthful brother survives, Starkweather murdered Fugate’s little sister.
Variations between movie and actuality
The movie’s ultimate act, set in a jail, is solely fictional, together with exaggerated characters performed by Robert Downey Jr. and Tommy Lee Jones.
In actuality, Starkweather was executed in 1994, coinciding with the movie’s launch, whereas Fugate was paroled in 1976. Fugate claimed that she was a sufferer of Starkweather’s violence, however this declare was disputed at her trial.
Broader inspirations
Pure Born Killers isn’t solely based mostly on the Starkweather-Fugate story, but additionally attracts from different sources. The story of the movie reveals similarities with the Bonnie and Clyde story, wherein a pair causes chaos all through America. One other necessary facet of the movie is the criticism of media sensationalism.
The movie displays on how media consideration and public fascination with criminals like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer affect society. The movie feedback on how such tales are broadcast and glorified, with the character performed by Robert Downey Jr. serving as a satirical illustration of media sensationalism.
Cultural Influence of Starkweather-Fugate
The notoriety of the Starkweather-Fugate murders has led to their depiction in numerous kinds of popular culture. For instance, Billy Joel’s music “We Did not Begin the Fireplace” mentions the Starkweather homicide, and Bruce Springsteen’s music “Nebraska” tells the story of the murders.
Peter Jackson’s 1996 movie The Frighteners can also be impressed by these occasions. One other notable movie is Badlands (1973), directed by Terrence Malick, which intently follows the Starkweather-Fugate story with characters of comparable ages and outcomes.
Whereas Pure Born Killers is closely impressed by the Starkweather-Fugate murders, it’s greater than a simple true crime movie. It combines parts of real-life occasions and key popular culture moments from the ’90s to create a novel cinematic expertise.
Pure Born Killers masterfully combines real-life influences and popular culture commentary, making a provocative movie that challenges viewers’ perceptions of violence and media. The inspiration from true crime and media sensationalism provides depth to the critique, making it a strong and enduring piece of cinema.
Pure Born Killers is obtainable to stream on Netflix within the US
