Monster: The Ed Gein Story : Embellished for Dramatic Purposes
Share
I’ve been hooked on Ryan Murphy’s twisted universe since American Horror Story first bled onto screens. His latest Monster installment—the third season, centered on Ed Gein — had me counting down the days. Murphy’s signature blend of visceral gore and psychological depth promised a nightmare worth losing sleep over.
Spoilers ahead. Proceed with caution.
While during the earlier episodes, Murphy did hone in on the complex relationship Ed had with his mother, Augusta. The overbearing influence that Augusta placed on Ed, and Ed's willingness to please his mother at all costs molded him into the killer he became soon after her death. Ed's fixation with grave robbing and obsessiveness with the female body would soon translate into his psychosis, which Murphy captures perfectly on the series.
The accuracy of the crime scene and how Murphy displayed the emotional tensions of the discovery was spot on. To completely dork out on my part (the death investigator side of me), how the makeup effects of the deceased were nearly perfect with the colors and "texture" you can observe during the varying stages of decomposition. I was extremely impressed with the effort his team made.
However, many characters and certain actions by Gein in the series were altered for dramatic purposes. It was reported that Gein's girlfriend, Adeline, reportedly did not have a relationship with Gein although this has been repeatedly disputed. The "relationship" displayed in the series between Bernice Worden and Ed Gein never existed. To be honest, it was honestly disgraceful how their non-existent "relationship" was exhibited on the series. I am honestly shocked that Ryan Murphy proceeded to have the sexual themes between Worden and Gein as it can be seen as slanderous and insidious towards Worden. Although this is a docuseries and dramatization is common, this can be seen as callous and absurd, especially by any existing family members. As horrible as Worden's crime scene was, her dignity must be preserved after death. Lastly, the necrophilia scene that occurred between Gein and a recently deceased woman is merely speculation. In reality, Gein admits to being a virgin. Whether this is true or not, That scene was just added to create more shock horror in the series.
I do have to appreciate how much Murphy delves into Gein's spiraling psychosis, as well as his realization during the therapy scene. Murphy did display the accurate depictions of Gein's gynephilia and his unhealthy desire to understand what a woman must be like. Murphy also does a wonderful job of how Gein's crimes influenced film throughout the decades.
In summary, Ryan Murphy did recreate the immersive world of Ed Gein and his crimes as if we traveled in time. The only fallback was the embellishment of events that didn't occur, in which viewers may perceive this as truth. Although shock horror does sell, it should not be at the expense of the victims.
Want to learn more about Ed Gein?
Check out my chat here: Ed Gein Chat
Can't get enough of Ed Gein? Check out my merch:
Until next time!
And remember, check your back seat!!!!
-Jess