Dirk V
Reviewer

     “Ed Gein” seems like just another clichéd horror movie. The horror sequences in the film were made popular in older films like “Psycho,” “Silence of the Lambs” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” The difference between “Ed Gein” and these films is that “Ed Gein” is the story of the Wisconsin serial killer, and the other films used his atrocious crimes as inspiration for their fictional murderers.
 
      The film itself, however, fails to live up to the expectations one would have about such a serial killer. Instead of dealing with the numerous murderous acts of Gein, the film focuses more on his abusive childhood, possessive mother, and unstable mind. Taking place during the weeks leading up to his arrest, flashbacks and real-time events are used to set the tone of the film. The film shows him trying to come to terms with his mother’s death. He begins to hallucinate and see her urging him on to do God’s will—kill the “whores” in the town.
 
     Even though only two of his murders are shown, the film provides plenty of other disturbing moments. Gein is shown digging up corpses in an attempt to resurrect them, trying on noses, and he is shown prancing around in his newly made woman suit. His house is also shown littered with random body parts, including heads and faces.
 
     Steve Railsback is excellent as Gein. He gives the part the aloof yet creepy style needed to play such a man as Gein. Carrie Snodgress plays his overly religious and possessive mother. She has the stern voice and look to give an adequate portrayal of the woman who drove a man to commit such deeds.
 
     The film is interesting, but it is not exciting. It has its moments of suspense, but overall the film is just a drama about an insane man. If you are an avid fan of horror films, you may enjoy this film about one of America’s first serial killers. But if you expect a film with explicit violence, you should stick to the fictional stories based on him.