Netflix has unveiled its newest true crime series that delves into the life of the notorious murderer, Ed Gein. Actor Charlie Hunnam discusses his approach to portraying Gein.
True crime enthusiasts often turn to Netflix for their fix, so when news broke that Monster’s third season would spotlight the infamous Ed Gein, it sparked both intrigue and unease.
“Monster: The Ed Gein Story” explores the life and crimes of Ed Gein, infamously known as the Butcher of Plainfield and the Plainfield Ghoul.
In the 1950s, Gein committed the murders of two women, engaged in grave robbery, and used the remains to craft his macabre ‘house of horrors.’
Gein’s horrendous acts came to light following the 1957 disappearance of Bernice Worden, prompting a police investigation into his residence.
Inside, authorities discovered Worden’s decapitated body hanging from the ceiling, alongside evidence that Gein had fashioned clothing from human skin.
Gein’s home revealed further horrors, including organs stored in jars and skulls repurposed as bowls.
Upon his arrest, Gein confessed to killing Mary Hogan and admitted to exhuming graves to acquire body parts.
Charlie Hunnam, portraying Gein in the series, dedicated himself to authenticity, meticulously replicating Gein’s appearance, mannerisms, and voice.
In an interview with Tudum, Hunnam stated, “I wanted to get as close as possible to who Ed was, to do him justice, and for this thing to feel authentic.”
He emphasized, “This is going to be the really human, tender, unflinching, no-holds-barred exploration of who Ed was and what he did. But who he was being at the centre of it, rather than what he did.”
To physically embody Gein, Hunnam revealed, “I lost almost 30 pounds just to get a more malnourished, light frame. Ed was incredibly lithe. And so that was a big part of the physicality.”
He continued, “I spent a lot of time thinking about where his energy was, that he’s not particularly confident or, like, front-foot type of energy. How to not take up a lot of space, not to be sort of front and centre and too confident in my physicality was really important.”
Capturing Gein’s voice was another critical task for Hunnam, who was fortunate in acquiring rare audio recordings from Gein’s arrest, allowing him to refine his portrayal.
In a hauntingly fitting gesture, Hunnam visited Gein’s grave, who passed away in 1984, as a way to conclude his connection with the character.
At the gravesite, Hunnam expressed his hope that the series accurately conveyed Gein’s story without inviting him to accompany Hunnam on his future journey, saying, “I was ready to say goodbye to him and that be the end.”
“Monster: The Ed Gein Story” is currently streaming on Netflix.