REAL-LIFE SERIAL KILLERS: “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” / “The Monster of Florence.”
“Monster: The Ed Gein Story” (Netflix) biographical crime drama about the convicted murderer, graverobber, and suspected serial killer Ed Gein . Mr Gein (1906-1984) was an American murderer, serial killer , and body snatcher . His crimes, committed around his hometown of Plainfield, Wisconsin , gathered widespread notoriety in 1957 after authorities discovered that he stole corpses from local graveyards and fashioned keepsakes from their bones and skin. Charlie Hunnam absolutely gave his all. A very involved, focused performance. Credits as well to Laurie Metcalf in a shorter, intermittent role as Ed’s domineering mother. Undoubtedly, a well-crafted noir cinema although I don’t dig the overkill in graphic violence and, at times, cheesy dialogue. Also, I don’t ride with the Alfred Hitchcock or “Psycho” bit, not needed. That subplot took away a deeper navigation of the mom/son relationship. BTW, I am baffled by the Finale episode. Weird....