The True Crime Genre’s Reckoning: When Entertainment Exploits Real Pain
The true crime genre is a $5 billion industry, fueled by our collective fascination with the dark side of humanity. But a recent rebuke from filmmaker Osgood Perkins, director of the unsettling horror film Longlegs, suggests a growing unease with how streaming platforms are transforming real tragedies into easily-digestible entertainment. Perkins’ scathing criticism of Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story – specifically its portrayal of his father, actor Anthony Perkins – isn’t just a personal grievance; it’s a symptom of a larger cultural shift questioning the ethics of profiting from others’ suffering.
Perkins’ Protest and the “Netflix-ization” of Trauma
In an interview with TMZ, Perkins stated he wouldn’t watch Monster: The Ed Gein Story “with a 10-foot pole.” His objection stems from a concern that streaming services are “glamorizing” true crime, stripping away crucial context, and ultimately exploiting “real pain.” He fears the influence of these “overlords” reshaping culture, prioritizing sensationalism over sensitivity. The series in question explores the life of Ed Gein, a notorious serial killer, and briefly touches upon Anthony Perkins’ own struggles with his sexuality while preparing for his iconic role as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Perkins felt the show’s exploration of his father’s personal life was exploitative, particularly given the tragic circumstances of his death from AIDS-related complications in 1992.
Beyond Anthony Perkins: A Wider Trend of Ethical Concerns
Perkins’ critique resonates with a growing chorus of voices questioning the ethics of the true crime boom. While the genre has always existed, the sheer volume of content now available – and the speed with which it’s produced – raises serious concerns. The focus often shifts from understanding the systemic issues that contribute to crime to fixating on the sensational details of individual cases. This can lead to the re-traumatization of victims’ families and a distorted public perception of violence. The demand for content often overshadows responsible storytelling.
The Rise of “Trauma Porn” and its Impact
Critics have begun to label some true crime content as “trauma porn,” a term that highlights the exploitative nature of turning real-life suffering into entertainment. This isn’t simply about graphic depictions of violence; it’s about the way stories are framed, the emphasis on sensationalism, and the lack of consideration for the long-term impact on those affected. A 2023 study by the University of Winnipeg linked true crime consumption to increased fear and victim-blaming, suggesting a potentially harmful psychological effect on viewers.
The Future of True Crime: Towards Responsible Storytelling
The backlash against exploitative true crime isn’t likely to subside. Consumers are becoming more discerning, and there’s a growing demand for content that prioritizes ethical considerations. Several trends suggest a shift towards more responsible storytelling:
- Focus on Systemic Issues: Future true crime content may increasingly focus on the societal factors that contribute to crime, rather than simply recounting the details of individual cases.
- Victim-Centered Narratives: Stories will likely prioritize the experiences of victims and their families, giving them a voice and agency.
- Expert Analysis and Context: Increased reliance on experts in criminology, psychology, and sociology to provide context and analysis.
- Documentary vs. Dramatization: A potential move away from heavily dramatized reenactments towards more factual, documentary-style approaches.
The debate sparked by Osgood Perkins’ comments underscores a crucial point: entertainment has a responsibility to be mindful of the real-life consequences of its narratives. The future of the **true crime genre** hinges on its ability to evolve beyond sensationalism and embrace a more ethical and nuanced approach to storytelling. Ignoring this shift risks alienating audiences and further eroding trust in the genre.
What steps do you think streaming platforms should take to ensure responsible true crime content creation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
