Director Max Winkler Unpacks ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’s’ Brutal Depths and Hunnam’s Haunting Performance

Netflix’s latest true-crime sensation, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” has captivated audiences with its chilling portrayal of the infamous serial killer. Showrunner Max Winkler, who directed six of the eight episodes, recently offered an exclusive deep dive into the making of the series, revealing the intricate layers behind its dark narrative and the intense performances that bring it to life.

Winkler highlighted the show’s ambition to explore the complex question, “Who is the monster?” — extending beyond Gein himself to the American healthcare system, his abusive mother, and even the filmmakers who later sensationalized his story. This multifaceted approach guided the visual language, with cinematographer Michael Bauman crafting scenes that felt both larger than life and brutally real, particularly in the reimagining of pop culture-inspired murders like the iconic ‘Psycho’ shower scene. Winkler noted their version aimed to be significantly more brutal, reflecting a modern perspective on the desensitization to violence.

The director praised Charlie Hunnam’s transformative performance as Ed Gein, detailing the actor’s profound dedication, including a significant weight loss and deep immersion into the character’s psyche. Winkler recounted a powerful moment during Gein’s diagnosis scene in Episode 7, where Hunnam’s emotional intensity was so palpable that a single take was all that was needed. “Anyone would know that you had gotten it in that moment,” Winkler shared, emphasizing the trust placed in the actor’s raw portrayal.

Reflecting on the series’ challenging finale, Winkler discussed the “All That Jazz”-inspired musical number and the powerful final scene on the porch, which served as a “Rosebud” moment for Gein’s motivations. He also touched upon the show’s exploration of empathy, admitting a struggle to empathize with characters like Augusta Gein or Ilse Koch, but finding a deeper understanding for Ed Gein himself after researching his endured abuse and generational trauma. As the “Monster” anthology continues to delve into the dark corners of humanity, Winkler is already moving on, hinting at the next season featuring Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden.

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