Review of Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield (2007) by Erin C — 15 Jul 2010
This is Michael Feifer taking loosely the actions of Ed Gein and portraying into a simple horror film. If its a simple horror film you are seeking, than yes, you have it here.
Mind you, Ed Gein was a basis for characters such as Buffalo Bill (Silence of the Lambs), Leatherface (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) and Norman Bates (Psycho). So, if knowing the tremendous amount of disturbing inspiration you could possibly draw out of this real life person, why aspire to simple. And, recount it inaccurately.
Kane Hodder, who has played Jason Voorhees in four Friday the 13th films, is casted for the role of Ed. Which, is all well and good, except for the fact that Ed Gein is noted as being a strange "little" man who had been ambiguous about his masculinity. Not a 6'4" Mack truck. The better fit? An actor closer resembling Ted Levine as Jame Gumb, aka Buffalo Bill.
Fiefer changed Ed Gein to fit his movie. Highlighting the relationship between the deputy and Sheriff's daughter while leaving out factual events to make this film more "likable" maybe "watchable" left a huge gaping hole. Gein's life was a horror story. Just tell it, don't half ass it.
This review of Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield (2007) was written by Erin C on 15 Jul 2010.
Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield has generally received negative reviews.
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