Monster: The Ed Gein Story – A Review of the Producer's Grim Crime Drama
You're probably familiar with Psycho, the iconic thriller, and the horror staple. Maybe you've even read the books that inspired the first two films. Now it's time to meet the man who inspired Norman Bates, the serial killer, and Leatherface. The infamous Ed Gein!
The first two seasons of the series in question centered around Jeffrey Dahmer – a name with strong recognition. Then came the sibling duo – a somewhat specialized story for dedicated true crime fans. Now the spotlight turns to the Plainfield Ghoul. While he may lack the household name status of other notorious killers, and his confirmed victims number just two, his grave desecrations and gruesome creativity with female corpses have made a profound impact. To this day, any film or show featuring mutilated bodies, removed epidermis, or items crafted from human tissue probably owes a debt to Gein's exploits from over 70 years ago.
A Dismissive Approach
Is my tone too casual? This appears to be the deliberate approach of the production team. It's uncommon to witness a drama that lingers so gleefully on the worst depredations a person – and mankind – can commit. This extends to a significant plotline devoted to Nazi atrocities, presented with little to no justification.
Effective Pacing and Narrative
Structurally and stylistically, the show is impressive. The rhythm is well-maintained, and the skillful blending of past and present is executed brilliantly. We see Charlie Hunnam as the killer in action – the homicides, tomb violations, and curating his gruesome trophies. Simultaneously, the present-day narrative follows the creative minds as they develop Psycho from the literary source. The blending of the real – his devout parent and his obsession with women resembling her – and fictionalized scenes – fetishistic depictions of Ilse Koch and SS officer gatherings – is handled with technical skill.
A Critical Shortcoming
What it lacks, and unforgivably so, is any moral dimension or meaningful analysis to counterbalance the protracted, admiring visuals of his immoral deeds. The series portrays his rich inner world and frames him as a helpless individual of his domineering mother and a morbidly fascinated girlfriend. The underlying suggestion seems to be: What is a poor, schizophrenic guy to do? During a key moment, the novelist speculates that without seeing certain images, Gein would have remained an unremarkable local.
Breaking from Past Success
You could argue that a Ryan Murphy production – known for sleek, exaggerated aesthetics – is the wrong place for deep psychological exploration. But previous works like the OJ Simpson trial drama offered sharp analysis on the press and the legal system. The Versace murder story explored fame and culture. The Clinton scandal series examined systemic sexism. Thus, it is possible, and Murphy has done it.
The Ultimate Assessment
Yet not in this case. The Ed Gein Story feels like a commercialization of a lesser-known criminal case. It demands sympathy for the man behind the masks without providing understanding into his transformation. Aside from the reductive "devout parent" explanation, there is little effort to understand the creation or prevent future cases. It is nothing but gratuitous spectacle to the basest instincts of viewers. The Nazi scenes do have excellent cinematography, admittedly.
