Review of Ed Gein (2000) by Richard G — 16 Dec 2010

Seeing this film was basically the first time I was exposed to the complete Ed Gein hullabaloo, so I don't know how much of the biopic is accurate. I'd read a bit and heard a bit, and based on that, this film waters down the graphic material to a basic adaptation and generic character study.

Ed Gein is portrayed as a reserved, disturbed individual whose religious beliefs, childhood experiences, and loss of family dress up his insanity for homicide and dismemberment fixations. It's neither fully gory nor frightening, but slightly disturbing seeing Gein corner his closest friends into death.

Supposedly the case inspired Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre film, and other horror classics, and honestly, you would expect the source to kick your ass with repulsing, sick horror. Maybe this account simply wanted to inform, as the lead performance captures the outcast symptoms, but it's much too tame to recommend.

Personally it was entertaining from a psychological standpoint, and the low budget and basic premise was passable, but the film can be easily rectified and the Ed Gein case could have a more intimidating and interesting film.