Osgood Perkins, director known for his work in horror, has openly criticized Netflix’s true crime series Monster, particularly its third season focused on serial killer Ed Gein. Perkins, whose father Anthony Perkins inspired part of the narrative, argues that the show distorts genuine suffering and personal histories. His concerns arise from the series’ approach, which delves into how Alfred Hitchcock, portrayed in the show by Tom Hollander, drew inspiration from Gein when creating Psycho’s infamous character—an act linked closely to Anthony Perkins’ role in the 1960 film.
Although Osgood has not watched Monster’s third season, he expressed discomfort with its depiction of his father and the intrusion into private struggles. In the show, Hitchcock encourages Anthony’s character to channel a “secret” aspect of his personality to intensify his performance. Perkins finds this portrayal troubling and indicates an unwillingness to engage with the content.
Perkins explained in an interview with TMZ that productions like Monster suffer from being
“increasingly devoid of context… the Netflix-ization of real pain — i.e. the authentic human experiences drawn from ‘actual events’ — is playing for the wrong team.”
He suggests that the series glamorizes and alters real-life suffering for entertainment, compromising the truth.
Legacy of Anthony Perkins and the Impact of Misrepresented True Crime
Anthony Perkins, who passed away in 1992 from AIDS-related health issues, made a lasting mark on horror cinema through his iconic role in Psycho. Osgood emphasizes that his father’s personal life, particularly his sexual identity, was something he had to keep private during his lifetime due to societal constraints.
“My father was an actor who had sort of a private life that was not acceptable in the mainstream, whether you want to call him a gay man or a bisexual man, whatever moniker we want to put on that. You couldn’t do that, you couldn’t be both. You still can’t!”
Osgood Perkins said.
The portrayal in Monster not only revisits the dark history behind a serial killer but also challenges the respect owed to real people affected by these events. Osgood’s critique reflects a broader concern about the ethics of dramatizing true crime stories, especially when such dramatizations interfere with the legacies of those involved.
The Evolution of Netflix’s Monster Series and Its Reception
Monster, created by Ryan Murphy, has consistently drawn attention for its detailed retelling of high-profile crimes and the performances of its leads. Season 1 featured Evan Peters in a Golden Globe-winning role as Jeffrey Dahmer, where Peters infused humanity into a notorious figure. Season 2 examined the Menendez brothers’ brutal murder of their parents, with a notable cast including Javier Bardem as José Menendez. This season also garnered critical recognition through Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Season 3 shifts focus to Ed Gein, with Charlie Hunnam portraying the infamous “Butcher of Plainfield.” While Hunnam’s performance stands out and is praised as one of the year’s best, the season falters when the storyline incorporates Hollywood subplots written by Ian Brennan. These fictional elements dilute the narrative’s strength, undermining the overall impact of the eight-episode run.
Cast Highlight and Character Portrayals in Season 3
The cast of Monster: The Ed Gein Story includes Charlie Hunnam in the role of Ed Gein, Olivia Williams portraying Alma Hitchcock, Laurie Metcalf as Augusta Gein, and Tom Hollander taking on Alfred Hitchcock. Their performances contribute significantly to the series’ tone, but despite this strong lineup, the inclusion of speculative scenes has stirred criticism from voices like Osgood Perkins, who feel these dramatizations overshadow the reality behind the true crime.
Implications for True Crime Adaptations Moving Forward
Osgood Perkins’s sharp criticisms underscore a growing debate around how true crime is adapted for streaming platforms like Netflix. His reflections call into question the responsibility of producers and creators to handle sensitive topics with care and respect. As Netflix continues to develop true crime content, the balance between storytelling and preserving authentic human experiences remains a crucial challenge. Perkins’s perspective invites viewers and creators alike to reconsider how these narratives should be treated, especially when they intersect with the personal histories of real people and their families.
