The Netflix series "Monster: The Ed Gein Story" takes significant creative liberties and dramatizes many aspects of Ed Gein's life and crimes. While the show is based on true events, such as Gein's murders of two women (Mary Hogan and Bernice Worden), his troubled relationship with his domineering mother Augusta, his grave robbing, and his diagnosed schizophrenia, it also includes many fabricated or exaggerated elements for dramatic effect. Key facts depicted accurately include:
- Ed Gein killed only two confirmed victims, although the series suggests more.
- Augusta Gein's oppressive control over Ed.
- The death of Ed's brother Henry by accidental brush fire, not murder by Ed.
- Gein's mental illness and his influence on horror films like Psycho and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
However, there are numerous fictionalized parts:
- Scenes portraying Gein killing his brother.
- A fabricated sexual relationship with Bernice Worden.
- Use of violent and dramatic imagery from horror films inspired by Gein.
- Imaginary events such as Gein talking to himself via radios.
- Unsubstantiated acts like cannibalism or multiple murders beyond the two confirmed.
Overall, the series blends fact with fiction to explore the legend and cultural impact of Ed Gein, but it should not be taken as a fully accurate historical account.
