Over the years, I’ve been known for my reviews related to horror. It reminds me of an interview I did some time ago with novelist Ted Dekker, where he stated, “Evil painted with anything other than the darkest of brushes is not a true representation of evil.” I agreed with this idea then, and I still do.
Amazon Prime recently released a limited series by MGM+ on Ed Gein, a well-known grave robber and murderer who was arrested over 20 years before the term “serial killer” came into use. Gein’s story has inspired many films, including “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, “House of 1,000 Corpses”, “The Devil’s Rejects”, “The Silence of the Lambs”, and, of course, “Psycho”. As horrifying as these stories are, they do not compare to the real-life events surrounding Ed Gein.
“Psycho: The Lost Tapes of Ed Gein” delves into the terrifying aspects of his life, using never-before-heard interrogation tapes and crime scene photographs. I watched the entire series in a 24-hour period, and it is among the most terrifying programs I have ever seen. Ed Gein is a true example of how people and reality can be far more horrifying than the monsters created for movies, illustrating the psychotic nature of evil, especially when rooted in truth.
This series uses real footage and interviews with various residents of the small town of Plainfield, Wisconsin, and other locations to show that the neighbor next door could be a real monster. Such was the case with Ed Gein, who lived in a town of around 900 people. This unsuspecting monster committed horrific acts, robbing graves and murdering others. The documentary explores everything from Gein’s upbringing and his abnormal relationship with his mother to his eventual death in a mental hospital. It is doubtful that as much has been covered about him in television or documentary formats.
The series does an excellent job of examining the reality of evil. While some people, including those I have met, do not believe in the existence of evil, this documentary provides ample evidence that it does exist. Many tend to excuse evil with phrases like Flip Wilson’s “the devil made me do it,” but the exploration of Gein may prompt one to ponder concepts found in the book of Romans, where it is stated that we are all born into evil or possess evil components. Even when others may perceive something as “good,” it may not truly be so. While we may not all be like Ed Gein, we are all born with aspects of evil or with the potential for evil influence. How far we go and what we do with that potential becomes the critical question. In this regard, the series offers a compelling character study that, while difficult to watch and hear, is essential for each of us in our own exploration of ourselves. It encourages us to consider how we practice what is good and appropriate as opposed to what is evil, a concept worth exploring. This series successfully facilitates this examination, not only for Ed Gein but also for each of us as individuals.
My studies in psychology, particularly in the realm of abnormal psychology, have deepened my fascination with this topic. Jesus’ own words in the Sermon on the Mount remind us to reflect on not just our actions, but also our thought processes. Jesus stated that if we are angry with another person, we are guilty of murder.
As a movie reviewer with a background in therapy and psychology, I appreciate this study (though I wouldn’t say I “liked” it). However, due to the graphic detail and images, I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone. That said, for those who can handle it, the story of a man who had such a profound impact on movies and characters is fascinating. This documentary has been available since 2023, and I had not watched it until now, but those with Amazon Prime can access it. It is a true investigation, not just into horror, but into the nature of evil. Thankfully, I know there is one greater than myself whom I am committed to—the one who conquered death and evil, known as Jesus.
WATCH THE FIRST EPISODE HERE!
https://www.amazon.com/Psycho-Lost-Tapes-Gein-Season/dp/B0C5JXDSRN