“Monster: The Ed Gein Story”: What’s Fact and What’s Fiction?

‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’ – Fact vs. Fiction

The Netflix anthology series ‘Monster’ has taken on a new season that delves into the chilling story of Ed Gein, the infamous murderer and body mutilator from Plainfield, Wisconsin. Portrayed by Charlie Hunnam, Gein’s terrifying tale has inspired classic films like Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, making him one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, despite many not knowing much about him. The latest season, ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’, premiered on October 3, bringing to light the gruesome details of Gein’s crimes and their impact on pop culture.

Gein led a quiet life in the Midwest until suspicions arose over the death of a local hardware store owner in 1957. This led to a police search of his property, where they uncovered a horrifying collection of human remains, including masks and body suits made from human skin. Despite Gein confessing to two murders, he pleaded not guilty and was eventually institutionalized until his death in 1984. The series explores his dark deeds, separating fact from fiction in his macabre story.

One aspect of Gein’s crimes was his habit of robbing graves, where he would steal body parts and even entire corpses. He had a morbid fascination with preserving these remains, sometimes making masks and suits out of human skin, as discovered by the police during their search of his farm. This disturbed behaviour stemmed from a complex relationship with his mother, Augusta Gein, whom he idolized in a twisted manner, leading to his gruesome creations.

While Gein’s actions were horrifying, he did not engage in cannibalism, as some may believe. The bodies and body parts he stole were used for his skin suits and other decorative purposes, with Gein reportedly stating that the odour of the corpses prevented him from engaging in necrophilia. His crimes focused on the desecration of the dead rather than consuming them, adding another layer of horror to his already gruesome acts.

In terms of his killings, Gein confessed to the murders of two women: Bernice Worden and Mary Hogan. Both were shot, with Worden’s disappearance in 1957 sparking the investigation that uncovered Gein’s atrocities. While suspicions arose regarding his involvement in other missing person cases, Gein passed a polygraph test suggesting he may not have been responsible for additional deaths beyond the two he admitted to. The series navigates the truth behind these killings, shedding light on the impact of Gein’s actions on his victims and their families.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that Gein killed any of his family members, despite the depiction in the series of him killing his brother, Henry Gein. In reality, Henry’s death was attributed to natural causes, with no foul play involved. Similarly, while Gein was close to his mother Augusta, he did not harm her, as she passed away from a stroke following Henry’s death. The series explores these relationships and the psychological motivations behind Gein’s crimes, offering a nuanced portrayal of the man behind the monstrous acts.

Gein’s influence on popular culture is undeniable, with iconic characters like Norman Bates from Psycho and Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre drawing inspiration from his twisted legacy. The Netflix series delves into the making of these classic films and their connections to Gein, highlighting the lasting impact of his crimes on the horror genre. Through a blend of fact and fiction, ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’ paints a chilling portrait of a man whose deeds continue to haunt and fascinate audiences decades later.