Charlie Hunnam, the star of the Netflix series “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” recently shared insights into the surprisingly “joyous” atmosphere that prevailed on the set, despite the dark subject matter of the show. The series, which premiered on Netflix on October 3, delves into the story of Ed Gein, one of America’s most notorious serial killers. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE during the premiere at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on September 30, Hunnam expressed that the cast and crew felt a sense of fulfillment and pride in the quality of their work on the project.
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In an unexpected revelation, Hunnam, 45, described the experience on set as “joyous and light,” with a focus on perfecting their craft. He highlighted the satisfaction of pushing themselves to reach for something greater each day, emphasizing the sense of achievement and pride in their work. Despite the intense subject matter, the process of creating the show brought a sense of joy and fulfilment to the cast and crew as they strove to bring authenticity and integrity to their roles.
Hunnam underlined the importance of “finding the truth” of the character, stating that the exploration of why Ed Gein committed his heinous crimes was central to their approach. Rather than focusing solely on the acts themselves, the team aimed to delve into the psychology and motivations behind Gein’s actions, seeking to present a nuanced and reflective portrayal of this dark chapter in American history. By staying true to the mission of understanding the character’s psyche, the team endeavoured to offer a deeper insight into the complexities of human nature.
Gein’s crimes, which shocked the nation upon his arrest in 1957, included disturbing acts of violence and grave desecration. The discovery of human remains, organs, and items crafted from human body parts in his possession sent shockwaves through society. Notably, Gein’s story has inspired various depictions in popular culture, influencing iconic characters in films like “Psycho,” “Silence of the Lambs,” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” His twisted legacy continues to captivate audiences and serve as a chilling reminder of the dark extremes of human behaviour.
“Monster: The Ed Gein Story” is the third instalment of the anthology series created by Ryan Murphy, following explorations into the lives of Jeffrey Dahmer and Lyle and Erik Menendez in the previous seasons. By delving into the psyche of infamous figures like Gein, the series offers a compelling and provocative examination of the human capacity for both extraordinary evil and profound complexity. Available for streaming on Netflix, the show invites viewers to confront the darkest facets of human nature while exploring the intricate tapestry of human psychology.
As Hunnam and the cast navigated the challenging terrain of portraying such intense subject matter, their commitment to authenticity and depth in storytelling shines through in their performances. By immersing themselves in the complexities of the characters and narratives, the team behind “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” delivers a thought-provoking and gripping exploration of one of America’s most notorious figures.