He’s NOT Hot, He’s a Murderer…

Summary

In this video, the creator delves into the controversial portrayal of real-life serial killers in Netflix's *Monster* series, particularly focusing on the glamorization and sexualization of criminals like Ed Gein. The video explores how casting attractive actors, like Charlie Hunnam, can unintentionally create fanbases for killers, particularly among women. It critiques how such shows can blur the line between storytelling and respect for the victims, while also examining the impact of sensationalized media on public perception. Despite the dark subject matter, the creator ends on a lighter note, sharing their crochet projects, including a quirky frog they’re struggling to finish.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ryan Murphy's *Monster* series has faced controversy for glamorizing notorious serial killers and sexualizing them, especially with attractive actors playing them.
• 😀 The series explores famous killers like Jeffrey Dahmer, the Mendezes, and Ed Gein, creating discussions about whether such portrayals unintentionally attract fans or sympathizers.
• 😀 Women, particularly, have developed a fascination with serial killers, a phenomenon often referred to as 'hybristophilia' or 'Bonnie and Clyde syndrome.'
• 😀 Some individuals, like Doreen Lou, have married serial killers after developing intense infatuations with them, despite their horrific crimes.
• 😀 The rise of social media has amplified these fascinations, with online fan clubs and discussions that can sometimes cross into inappropriate territory, such as memes mocking murder victims.
• 😀 The casting of attractive actors, like Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein, can blur the lines between creating an engaging story and inadvertently humanizing or sexualizing the killers.
• 😀 The portrayal of killers in Hollywood is often criticized for making them seem more 'palatable,' especially when their crimes are not adequately acknowledged or are distorted for dramatic purposes.
• 😀 While shows like *Monster* can bring attention to the psychological and social factors behind serial killers, they often leave out the trauma and truth of the victims' families.
• 😀 The *Monster* series has faced backlash from victims' families who feel their loved ones' stories are distorted, such as in the case of the Mendezes and the portrayal of their abusive upbringing.
• 😀 Despite the criticism, *Monster* has sparked important conversations about crime, trauma, and the representation of serial killers in media, while also highlighting how these narratives can affect the families involved.

Q & A

Why do people seem to be attracted to serial killers in media, as mentioned in the video?

The video discusses how serial killers in media, like in the Netflix series *Monster*, are often portrayed in a way that humanizes them or even sexualizes them, leading to some viewers becoming attracted to these characters. This is especially prevalent when these killers are played by Hollywood heartthrobs or actors who are generally considered attractive.

What is the criticism of Ryan Murphy’s portrayal of serial killers in *Monster*?

Ryan Murphy’s portrayal of serial killers in *Monster* has been criticized for potentially glamorizing or sexualizing them. The concern is that the series, while exploring the psychological factors behind these killers, might unintentionally turn them into figures of admiration or obsession, especially among women. Some have also argued that the portrayal distorts the true nature of the victims and the severity of the crimes.

How does the video address the casting of attractive actors like Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein?

The video highlights the concern that casting attractive actors like Charlie Hunnam to play killers such as Ed Gein can send mixed signals. While Hunnam is a skilled actor, his casting in a role of a notorious murderer raises questions about the line between acting and humanizing a character who should not be romanticized or sexualized.

What role do online fan groups play in the fascination with serial killers?

Online fan groups have become a platform where people, particularly women, discuss their fascination with serial killers. These groups sometimes create a space for unhealthy admiration, leading to the formation of so-called 'fan clubs' for murderers, with some individuals even trying to initiate relationships with them, often through letter-writing or visits to prison.

What is 'hybristophilia' and how does it relate to the content of the video?

'Hybristophilia', or 'Bonnie and Clyde syndrome', is a sexual attraction to people who have committed crimes, particularly serial killers. The video explores how some women are drawn to these figures due to psychological factors, such as past trauma or a desire for attention, which can be amplified by media portrayals like those in *Monster*.

Why do some people feel sympathy for serial killers in shows like *Monster*?

Some viewers may feel sympathy for serial killers portrayed in shows like *Monster* because these shows often delve into the killers' backstories and explore the psychological or social factors that contributed to their actions. The series tries to understand the person behind the crime, which can unintentionally lead some viewers to empathize with them.

What was the impact of the *Monster* series on the families of the victims, as discussed in the video?

The *Monster* series has been criticized for traumatizing the families of victims, as many were not consulted prior to its release. Some family members expressed that the series misrepresented their loved ones and the crimes, leading to feelings of hurt and frustration. The show’s depiction of the killers and the events surrounding the crimes can reopen old wounds for the victims' families.

How does the video differentiate between fictional killers and real-life killers portrayed in media?

The video contrasts the portrayal of fictional killers, like Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman in *American Psycho*, with real-life killers depicted in media. While fictional characters are designed for entertainment and do not have real-life counterparts, real-life serial killers, when portrayed in films or series, can have a lasting impact on victims' families and public perception, making it a more sensitive subject.

Why does the video mention the portrayal of Ed Gein with a chainsaw, despite it being historically inaccurate?

The video points out that the portrayal of Ed Gein with a chainsaw in the *Monster* series is inaccurate, as Ed Gein never used a chainsaw in his crimes. This misrepresentation is seen as part of the show's tendency to embellish details for dramatic effect, which can mislead viewers and distort the truth of the real events.

What is the creator's overall perspective on how true crime stories should be portrayed in media?

The creator believes that true crime stories should be told in a way that is respectful to the victims and their families, without sensationalizing or sexualizing the killers. While the media can bring attention to important cases, the creator stresses that it’s crucial to balance storytelling with accuracy and sensitivity to the real-life consequences these crimes have had on people.