You've likely seen Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, and the horror staple. Maybe you've even read the books that inspired the first two films. Now prepare to encounter the individual behind Norman Bates, Buffalo Bill, and the chainsaw-wielding villain. The infamous Ed Gein!
The initial installments of the series in question focused on the Milwaukee monster – a name with strong recognition. Then came the Menendez brothers – a more niche story for dedicated true crime fans. Attention now shifts to the Butcher of Plainfield. Although he doesn't possess the household name status of other notorious killers, and his confirmed victims number just two, his grave desecrations and macabre artistry with the deceased have left a lasting mark. To this day, any media featuring mutilated bodies, flayed skin, or items crafted from human tissue likely draws inspiration to his actions from many decades past.
A Tone of Flippancy
Do I sound flippant? This appears to be the deliberate approach of the creators. Rarely have I seen a drama that dwells so eagerly on the worst depredations a person – and mankind – can commit. This includes a significant plotline devoted to Nazi atrocities, presented with minimal moral context.
Structural and Stylistic Strengths
Structurally and stylistically, the show is impressive. The pacing is flawless, and the clever interweaving of different timelines is executed brilliantly. We see Charlie Hunnam as the killer in action – the homicides, grave robberies, and assembling his collection. In parallel, the contemporary storyline follows Alfred Hitchcock, Robert Bloch, and Anthony Perkins as they craft the iconic film from Bloch's Gein-inspired novel. The integration of factual elements – his devout parent and his fixation with women resembling her – and fictionalized scenes – fetishistic depictions of the Buchenwald criminal and Nazi party scenes – is executed proficiently.
A Critical Shortcoming
What it lacks, and unforgivably so, is ethical commentary or meaningful analysis to offset the protracted, admiring visuals of his immoral deeds. The series portrays his rich inner world and positions him as a helpless individual of his controlling parent and an accomplice with dark interests. The implied message seems to be: How could a mentally ill man resist? During a key moment, Robert Bloch theorizes that without exposure to photographs, Gein would have remained a small-town simpleton.
Breaking from Past Success
One might contend that a Ryan Murphy production – known for glossy, high-camp style – is the wrong place for deep psychological exploration. However, earlier series like The People v OJ Simpson offered brilliant commentary on the press and the legal system. The Versace murder story delved into celebrity and society. Impeachment examined embedded misogyny. Thus, it is possible, and Murphy has done it.
The Ultimate Assessment
Yet not in this case. The Ed Gein Story feels like an exploitation of a lesser-known criminal case. It demands sympathy for the individual responsible without providing understanding into his transformation. Beyond the simplistic "religious mother" explanation, there is little effort to understand the creation or prevent future cases. This is merely voyeuristic pandering to the lowest curiosities of the audience. The Nazi scenes do have lovely lighting, though.
