Birdman Ed Gein Netflix: the true story and locations behind the documentary
The Netflix documentary Birdman of Alcatraz: The True Story of Ed Gein delves into the life and crimes of Ed Gein, one of America’s most notorious serial killers, whose gruesome acts in the 1950s inspired numerous films, including Psycho and The Silence of the Lambs. Born on August 27, 1906, in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Gein’s crimes were centered in Plainfield, Wisconsin, where he lived in isolation on his family’s farm. Between 1947 and 1957, Gein murdered at least two women, exhumed corpses from local cemeteries, and crafted macabre artifacts from human remains. The documentary explores his psychological profile, the investigation led by Sheriff Arthur Schley, and the societal impact of his crimes. It also examines the rural setting of Plainfield, a small town that became synonymous with Gein’s atrocities.
The documentary highlights key locations tied to Gein’s life and crimes, including his family farm on the outskirts of Plainfield, which was demolished in 1958 after becoming a macabre tourist attraction. The film also references the Waushara County Courthouse, where Gein’s trial took place in 1958, and the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, Wisconsin, where he was confined until his death on July 26, 1984. Archival footage and interviews with criminologists, historians, and local residents provide a detailed account of Gein’s impact on American criminal history and popular culture. The documentary serves as a factual exploration of the man behind the myth, avoiding sensationalism while presenting a thorough examination of his life and legacy.
Key Questions About Birdman of Alcatraz: The True Story of Ed Gein
- What locations are featured in the documentary? The documentary focuses on Plainfield, Wisconsin, including Gein’s farm, the Waushara County Courthouse, and the Mendota Mental Health Institute.
- What crimes did Ed Gein commit? Gein murdered two women, exhumed corpses, and created artifacts from human remains between 1947 and 1957.
- How did Ed Gein’s crimes influence popular culture? Gein’s actions inspired characters in films such as Psycho (1960) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991).
