The Strange Case of Ed Gein and His Impact on Horror Movies

Ed Gein, a Wisconsin native, is a name not widely known, but his story has left a lasting impact on the horror genre. Born in 1906, Gein's crimes, committed mostly in the 1950s, are infamous for their bizarre and disturbing nature. He is believed to have killed two people, exhuming bodies to create household items and a skin suit. Gein's actions inspired iconic horror movie characters like Norman Bates from "Psycho, " Buffalo Bill from "The Silence of the Lambs, " and Leatherface from "Texas Chainsaw Massacre. " Although Gein's era is past, his influence is still felt today. Recently, Ryan Murphy announced that Season 3 of his Netflix series "Monster" will focus on Gein, starring Charlie Hunnam.

True crime historian Harold Schechter, author of "Deviant, " explains that Gein's story resonates with ancient folklore, making it a timeless tale that continues to be retold in different forms. Each adaptation reflects the era it is released in, from the sexual undertones of the 1950s in "Psycho" to the body alteration themes in "The Silence of the Lambs. " Despite his obscurity compared to more recent serial killers, Gein's story has a mythic quality that keeps it relevant. Schechter, however, has concerns about the upcoming "Monster" series, wondering how accurate it will be without consulting his definitive book on Gein.

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