Ed Gein: The Ghoul of Plainfield

Ed Gein: The Ghoul of Plainfield (2004)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

This twenty-four minute documentary is actually a well-made piece that can be found on THE Texas CHAINSAW MASSACRE DVD/Blu-ray. I'm going to guess that a lot of people who were only familiar with that 2003 film probably hadn't heard of Gein so this documentary was certainly aimed at them. If you're familiar with Gein and his story then there's nothing new or ground-breaking here but the interviews are great and it's certainly fun to see the history shown in such a quick fashion.

John K. Russell, Hardold Schechter, author David Skal and PSYCHO writer Joseph Stefano are among the people interviewed as they discuss the story of Gein, the horrors that he committed and how his story became a part of popular culture. There are some great discussions about not only his case but how he was received in the 1950s and what impact his story had on films like PSYCHO, THE Texas CHAINSAW MASSACRE and THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS.

Again, there's nothing ground-breaking here but if you're a fan of the subject or are interested in learning more then there's some nice stuff here.

...I have just become aware of this Documentary , entitled " Ed Gein The Ghoul of Plainfield " by Michelle Palmer.. This really Interests me.. as I am very familiar with the Original Gein Case, and remember it very well. I would really like to buy this Documentary,but the big question is, WHERE do you buy it ?? I can not seem to find a source for it. I have been searching all over, but have had no such luck. I get the Impression that this is a real true to life Documentary, that gives the facts, and I would really love to get this one. Is there anyone out there who can help me on this, and find me a source, and help me get this Doc ?? I would really appreciate any help. Thanks HGL

I am probably one of the few out there that saw this documentary but did not see THE Texas CHAINSAW MASSACRE. I have no interest at all in it, so my perspective is different. I teach, among other things, psychology and watched this documentary on the 2nd DVD from the movie to see if it would be suitable to use in a lesson on serial killers. Well, not surprisingly at all, it was NOT, as this would be for high school students and the incredibly graphic nature of his crimes would make me an irresponsible (and unemployed) high school teacher. For a class for college students, perhaps it would be useful. But, detailing this dismemberment of corpses, use of their nipples, genitalia, etc. for clothing and home decor is just nasty and falls into the category of TMI ("Too Much Information"). This documentary is not sensationalistic or overly explicit but just isn't particularly pleasant. Well-made, yes. Pleasant, no. A must-see for professionals working with these sick freaks and the voyeurs out there only!