The infamous serial killer Ed Gein has left a lasting impact on the world of horror cinema, serving as the inspiration behind iconic characters such as Norman Bates from ‘Psycho,’ Leatherface from ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,’ and Buffalo Bill from ‘The Silence of the Lambs.’ In a never-before-seen look into Gein’s small Wisconsin town, ET explores how Hollywood transformed the Butcher of Plainfield’s gruesome crimes into chilling tales that continue to terrify audiences to this day.
In a shocking revelation, a police officer who toured Gein’s home in 1957 recounts the discovery of a missing woman’s body, along with evidence of the disturbing atrocities committed by Gein over the years. ‘Psycho’ author Robert Bloch credits the gory details of Gein’s crimes, including post-mortem mutilations and grave-robbing, as the inspiration behind his novel-turned-cinematic masterpiece.
Actor Anthony Perkins, who portrayed the iconic Norman Bates, describes the character as the ‘Hamlet’ of horror roles, with Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film ‘Psycho’ becoming the quintessential gothic, haunted house story. Similarly, Jessica Biel and Freddie Highmore, stars of ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ and ‘Bates Motel,’ respectively, reveal how they delved into Gein’s story to prepare for their chilling roles.
But Gein’s influence goes beyond the silver screen, as seen in Thomas Harris’ bestseller ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ which explores the cat-and-mouse game between Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter. Actor Ted Levine, who portrayed Buffalo Bill, reflects on why audiences are drawn to psychological thrillers and how Gein’s dark legacy continues to captivate viewers.
Today, Ed Gein’s imprint on pop culture is undeniable, with filmmakers continuing to draw inspiration from ‘Psycho’ and horror enthusiasts spotting nods to Gein’s story at Universal Studios Hollywood. In the upcoming ‘Monsters’ true crime series by Ryan Murphy, Charlie Hunnam is set to tackle the role of Gein, following in the footsteps of other notorious figures such as Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers.
Despite the passage of time, Ed Gein’s chilling legacy lives on in the terrifying tales that have become synonymous with his name, ensuring that the Butcher of Plainfield will forever be remembered in the annals of horror history.
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Video “Ed Gein: How Serial Killer Inspired Psycho, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Silence of the Lambs” was uploaded on 10/30/2024 to Youtube Channel Entertainment Tonight