Charlie Hunnam Reflects on Challenging Role as Ed Gein in 'Monster'

In a recent exploration of the darker aspects of true crime, actor Charlie Hunnam stars in Netflix's acclaimed series Monster: The Story of Ed Gein, where he takes on the harrowing role of the infamous serial killer Ed Gein. Hunnam, known for his previous role in Sons of Anarchy, has described the experience of embodying such a complex character as profound and deeply challenging.

After completing filming, Hunnam found it difficult to separate himself from the disturbing nature of his character. He noted that it took him some time to process the role and regain his sense of self. To aid in this transition, he extended his stay in Chicago post-production to reflect and unwind, allowing the intense emotions associated with his character to dissipate. Following this, Hunnam visited Gein's hometown in Wisconsin, where he paid respects at Gein's grave, marking a symbolic farewell to the character.

The eight-episode series, created by Ryan Murphy, delves into Gein's chilling history as a serial killer in the 1950s, highlighting his gruesome acts of murder and body snatching, as well as his complicated relationship with his mother. The narrative also draws connections to the influence Gein had on popular culture, including Alfred Hitchcock's classic film Psycho.

Hunnam's portrayal of Gein is marked by a hauntingly soft-spoken demeanor and an often vacant expression, which he uses to convey the character's unsettling psychological state. Among the various scenes he filmed, Hunnam recalled one particular moment in the seventh episode as being the most demanding of his career. This scene required him to confront Gein's mental struggles, pushing the actor to the limits of his craft. Hunnam expressed his fears about the performance but ultimately regarded it as one of his best acting achievements.

The first two seasons of Monster have previously examined other notorious criminals, including Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, further establishing the series as a significant entry in the genre of true crime storytelling.