There are truly no words to adequately chastise those responsible for this series. It is one thing to create a documentary that reveals Ed Gein through his own words. But that is not what this film series is about. Instead it is a vehicle intended to shock viewers and to dehumanize Gein's victims by showing graphic crime scene photos and starkly realistic recreations of disemboweled, beheaded, dismembered loved ones. Only an inhuman sickness of the mind and heart could compel anyone to create or want to display before others such craven sadism. The creators could have given us a truly intriguing dive into the mind and motivations of Gein by sticking to historical facts and professional insights. The gore is totally unnecessary. It clearly is added to shock and to deeply disturb. While the discussions by the researchers and psychologists are meaningful (the only part that has merit), the glibness of the podcast members, authors, and others (including, no kidding laughter at Gein's crimes) is almost as diabolical as Gein's utter disregard for those he so violently victimized. Yes, there are warnings to viewers that may be sensitive to such material. However, there isn't anyone that wouldn't be traumatized to some degree by the abominations that are shown. Tellingly, the end of the first episode offers crisis hotline information for those who may need to talk after viewing the film. In so many words, the creators are acknowledging their purposeful intent to traumatize viewers by offering the "help" after the damage has been done: they are both cause and cure, except it will be nearly impossible to unsee and wash clean from one's humanity the devastation the filmmakers have wrought. Steer clear of this series.
Review of Psycho: The Lost Tapes of Ed Gein
