Oliver Stone’s film Natural Born Killers is one of the most controversial movies of its time. Released in 1994, it stars Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis in a film marked by intense violence and a frantic editing style.
The movie does more than just portray violence; it shows the portrayal of violence in media, the exploitative nature of television, and the influence such stories have on American culture, particularly the youth.
As the 30th anniversary of Natural Born Killers approaches, viewers are interested in whether the film is based on real events.
The film’s vivid portrayal of violence and its commentary on society lead many to question how accurately it reflects reality and how it satirizes modern America. Although the movie is not based on a single true story, it does have connections to various real-life tales of violence.
Inspiration from Starkweather and Fugate
The characters Mickey and Mallory Knox in Natural Born Killers are influenced by real-life criminals Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate. In early 1958, Starkweather and Fugate went on a killing spree across Nebraska and Wyoming, taking the lives of nine people.
There are clear parallels between the film and these real-life events. For instance, the age difference between Mickey and Mallory in the film mirrors that of Starkweather and Fugate, though they were at different life stages.
Starkweather led Fugate into a violent lifestyle and killed her parents, similar to how Mickey kills Mallory’s parents in the movie. However, the film takes a different approach in some areas; while Mallory’s younger brother survives, Starkweather murdered Fugate’s baby sister.
Differences Between Film and Reality
The film’s final act, set in a prison, is entirely fictional. This includes exaggerated characters portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. and Tommy Lee Jones.
In reality, Starkweather was executed in 1994, coinciding with the film’s release, while Fugate was paroled in 1976. Fugate claimed she was a victim of Starkweather’s violence, but this claim was disputed during her trial.
Broader Inspirations
Natural Born Killers is not solely based on the Starkweather-Fugate story but also draws from other sources. The film’s narrative shares similarities with the Bonnie and Clyde story, involving a couple causing chaos across America. Another significant aspect of the film is its critique of media sensationalism.
The movie reflects how media coverage and public fascination with criminals like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer influence society. The film comments on how such stories are broadcast and glorified, with the character played by Robert Downey Jr. serving as a satirical representation of media sensationalism.
Cultural Impact of Starkweather-Fugate
The notoriety of the Starkweather-Fugate killings has led to their portrayal in various forms of pop culture. For example, Billy Joel’s song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” mentions the Starkweather homicide, and Bruce Springsteen’s song “Nebraska” recounts the story of the killings.
The 1996 film The Frighteners by Peter Jackson also draws inspiration from these events. Another notable film is Badlands (1973), directed by Terrence Malick, which closely follows the Starkweather-Fugate story with characters of similar ages and outcomes.
While Natural Born Killers is heavily inspired by the Starkweather-Fugate murders, it is more than a straightforward true crime film. It combines elements of real-life events and significant pop culture moments from the 1990s to create a unique cinematic experience.
Natural Born Killers masterfully blends real-life influences and pop culture commentary, creating a provocative film that challenges viewers’ perceptions of violence and media. Its inspiration from true crime and media sensationalism adds depth to its critique, making it a powerful and enduring piece of cinema.
Natural Born Killers is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.
