Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"I think that the research actually started to have a little bit less sympathy as I went along because of the the just his attempts to lie in a very childlike way to Yeah to push the blame to someone else so he never accepted his own you know fault in any of these incidents so yeah" — Harold Schechter
"It's like maa! Absolutely. I'm just reading this article in the Hollywood Reporter where Eric, you're quoted as talking about Mr. Shecter as one of your heroes as well. You talk about when writing this book, when you were approached to write this book about Ed Geen, you say, 'And when my favorite true crime author and Geen expert, Harold Shecter enthusiastically agreed to work with me on a project. It was a dream or nightmare come true. The best part is we have a really unique take within that information.'" — Marcus (quoting Eric Powell, paraphrased)
"It's like, you know, the universal monsters right like wolf man like it's all like they they have all the monsters all the monsters have been created and Ed Geen is one of those true crime universal monsters and I just wonder if, what that fraternity of weirdos what that looks like 20 years from now if there's maybe there's an Ed Geen happening right now that we'll talk if they're illicit if you're an Ed Geen if you're email site stories you want to see your collect do not contact" — Eric Powell
This episode delves into the new graphic novel "Did You Hear What Eddie Geen Done?" by Harold Schechter and Eric Powell. Schechter, a seasoned true crime author, and Powell, known for his work on "The Goon," discuss their collaboration, which aims to offer a fresh perspective on the Ed Gein case. They highlight Schechter's new research, which moves beyond simplistic Freudian explanations and suggests a more complex layer of archaic, religious, and ritualistic behavior influenced by Gein's profound isolation and a warped sense of self. Powell's art is credited with vividly visualizing these new interpretations of Gein's twisted imagination, including sequences where Gein envisions himself as a pulp hero.
The conversation touches upon the psychological underpinnings of Gein's actions, exploring his ambivalent relationship with his mother and how his psychosis may have led to the emergence of ritualistic behaviors. Schechter, with a background in Jungian analysis, posits that Gein tapped into a collective unconsciousness, viewing his actions as primitive rituals. The authors debate whether Gein should be classified as a serial killer, with Schechter arguing for a distinction based on the lack of sadistic sexual motivation, emphasizing Gein's focus on obtaining "raw material" for his projects rather than experiencing orgasmic pleasure from his victims. Powell suggests that Gein's evasiveness and childlike lies point towards him being a direct necrophile.
The episode also explores the cultural impact of the Ed Gein story, tracing its influence from early speculations to its depiction in films like "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," solidifying his status as a "true crime universal monster." The authors discuss the paradox of finding a degree of sympathy or humanity in Gein's story, attributing it to his pathetic circumstances, isolation, and the fact that most of his victims were already deceased. They contrast this with other infamous killers and reflect on the societal undercurrents of the 1950s, a period of perceived prosperity that also harbored such dark narratives.