Ed Gein: The Real Psycho
Ed Gein: The Real Psycho

Movie spotlight

Ed Gein: The Real Psycho

2021
Movie
88 min
English

Few murderers in American history are as well known as Ed Gein, who might not have scored the highest body count, but whose predilection towards defiling corpses has made him just as infamous decades after his apprehension. Some even think that his infamy can still be felt, with discovery+'s latest Shock Docs entry, Ed Gein: The Real Psycho, investigating whether the spirit of the killer can still be felt around his Wisconsin hometown. You can check out an all-new exclusive clip from The Real Psycho above, in which investigators experience an otherworldly connection to some of Gein's personal artifacts.

Insights

IMDb5.1/10
Director: P.J. StarksGenres: Horror, Crime, Biography

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the horrifying crimes of Ed Gein, the Wisconsin-native serial killer whose gruesome acts of grave robbing and murder inspired iconic horror films like 'Psycho,' 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,' and 'The Silence of the Lambs.' It explores his disturbed childhood, his descent into madness, and the chilling discovery of his house filled with human remains, used to create furniture and clothing.

Critical Reception

As a documentary focusing on a notorious serial killer, critical reviews often highlight its unflinching portrayal of Gein's life and crimes. Audiences interested in true crime and the origins of horror tropes tend to find it compelling, though some may find the subject matter difficult to watch. It is generally regarded as a detailed and informative exploration of a disturbing case.

What Reviewers Say

  • Provides a comprehensive look into the life and crimes of Ed Gein.

  • Explores the psychological factors and events that may have led to Gein's horrific acts.

  • Connects Gein's story to its significant influence on popular horror cinema.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific documentary is not widely available.

Fun Fact

The documentary's title, 'Ed Gein: The Real Psycho,' directly references Alfred Hitchcock's iconic 1960 film 'Psycho,' which was heavily inspired by the real-life case of Ed Gein.

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