“Psycho” Actor Anthony Perkins’ Son Slams Ryan Murphy’s “Monster: The Ed Gein Story”: ‘Wouldn’t Watch It with a 10-Foot Pole’

Anthony Perkins’ Son Criticises Ryan Murphy’s Portrayal of ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’

Osgood Perkins, son of the renowned ‘Psycho’ actor Anthony Perkins, has spoken out against Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series, ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’. The series depicts his father on screen and has generated controversy in the true-crime genre.

Osgood Perkins, a director known for his work in horror films such as ‘Longlegs’ and ‘The Monkey’, expressed his disapproval of the series, which is based on the notorious serial killer Ed Gein. Gein, infamous for inspiring the character of Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film ‘Psycho’, is portrayed by Joey Pollari in the Monster series.

In an interview with TMZ, Osgood, aged 51, stated that he has no intention of watching the show, remarking that he “wouldn’t watch it with a 10-foot pole.” He raised concerns about the glamorisation of true-crime stories, criticising the lack of context and the oversimplification of genuine human experiences in the series.

The late Anthony Perkins, an Oscar nominee known for his role in ‘Psycho’ and other films like ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, passed away in 1992 at the age of 60 due to AIDS-related complications. He left behind a legacy in the entertainment industry and had two sons, Osgood and Elvis, with his wife Berry Berenson.

Reflecting on his father’s dual identity and struggles as a closeted homosexual or bisexual individual, Osgood revealed the challenges of growing up in a household with a famous yet private figure. Despite societal constraints, he is determined to carry forward his father’s horror-movie legacy with upcoming projects like ‘Keeper’, set to hit theatres on November 14.

Ed Gein, the real-life killer who inspired fictional works such as ‘Psycho’, ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’, and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, passed away in 1984. Murphy’s series delves into Gein’s dark legacy, with Charlie Hunnam portraying the infamous figure, alongside a talented cast including Laurie Metcalf, Vicky Krieps, Suzanna Son, and Tom Hollander as Hitchcock.

Previous seasons of Murphy’s Monster series have explored notorious criminals like Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, with future instalments planned to focus on historical figures like Lizzie Borden. Despite criticisms, Hunnam defended the series as a sincere examination of the human psyche and the motivations behind criminal behaviour.

The ongoing debate surrounding the portrayal of real-life tragedies in popular culture highlights the complexities of storytelling and the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers. As audiences navigate the blurred lines between entertainment and reality, discussions around representation and authenticity continue to shape the media landscape.

In a world where true crime narratives captivate viewers worldwide, the intersection of art, morality, and storytelling remains a subject of ongoing scrutiny. As the legacy of iconic figures like Anthony Perkins and the unsettling legacy of Ed Gein live on through various forms of media, the conversation around the portrayal of true events in popular culture evolves, prompting reflection and dialogue within the industry and beyond.