Actor Charlie Hunnam found creative freedom in portraying Andrew Borden for the upcoming Netflix true-crime anthology, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, a stark contrast to his previous, extensively researched role as serial killer Ed Gein in the same series. The transition offered Hunnam a unique opportunity to shape a historical figure with limited documented history, allowing for greater artistic interpretation within the infamous 1892 axe murder case. This shift from a heavily documented "monster" to a more enigmatic victim provided a fresh challenge and a sense of liberation for the actor.
From Ed Gein to Andrew Borden: A Seamless Transition
Hunnam was deeply immersed in the demanding portrayal of Ed Gein for the third season of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Monster anthology when he received the unexpected offer for the fourth installment. The role of Gein, a notorious serial killer and body snatcher, required an exhaustive deep dive into psychological evaluations, court documents, and recorded interviews, offering a wealth of material for character development. This intense preparation made the Gein role both arduous and incredibly rewarding for the Sons of Anarchy veteran.
Despite the demanding nature of his previous Monster engagement, Hunnam readily accepted the new challenge. He highlighted his positive experience with the creative team, particularly praising writer Ian Brennan and director Max Winkler, a close friend and frequent collaborator. The opportunity to work again with a team he deeply respected was a significant factor in his decision, even amidst his rigorous schedule and prior commitments.
The Enigma of Andrew Borden
The character of Andrew Borden presented a distinct set of challenges compared to Ed Gein. While Gein’s life was meticulously chronicled due to his horrific crimes, Andrew Borden, the father brutally murdered alongside his stepmother Abby Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts, left behind very little personal documentation. This scarcity of historical data meant Hunnam had minimal direct research material available to inform his portrayal.
Hunnam explained that Andrew Borden was largely a reclusive and anti-social figure, even at the time of the murders. Contemporary accounts and extensive public speculation surrounding the sensational case offered scant insight into his personal life or character beyond basic facts. This historical void, however, became a source of creative liberation for the actor.
Crafting a Character from Scarcity
The lack of concrete information on Andrew Borden allowed the creative team, including Hunnam, to construct a version of the character that served the narrative most effectively. "We got to create the version of Andrew that was most impactful for Lizzie’s story," Hunnam shared, detailing the process of speculating about Andrew’s personality and the household dynamics that might have pushed Lizzie to commit the heinous acts attributed to her. This collaborative speculation aimed to explore the underlying tensions and motivations within the Borden home.
The series, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, takes a clear stance early on, implying Lizzie’s culpability despite her historical acquittal. Hunnam acknowledged that this narrative direction was informed by the creators’ extensive research into the case. While some later episodes explore alternative theories or potential perpetrators, the primary focus leans into the widely held belief that Lizzie Borden was indeed responsible for the axe murders of her father and stepmother.
The Psychological Depth of Andrew Borden
Hunnam delved into his interpretation of Andrew Borden, describing him as a man consumed by "a prison of grief and resentment" following the death of his first wife. This emotional isolation and the oppressive atmosphere within the Borden household are central to the series’ narrative, offering a psychological backdrop to the unfolding tragedy. The actor found immense satisfaction in exploring this complex emotional landscape.
Some of the most challenging scenes for Hunnam involved a later episode that deeply explores Andrew’s perspective and life experiences across different time periods. These sequences required a raw, honest, and emotional performance, which Hunnam described as both difficult and profoundly satisfying to shoot. These moments promise to reveal a more vulnerable and multi-faceted Andrew Borden to the audience.
Collaborative Performance with Ella Beatty
A pivotal dynamic within Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is the relationship between Andrew and Lizzie, portrayed by Ella Beatty. Hunnam spoke highly of his collaboration with Beatty, commending her talent, discipline, and commitment. He noted her remarkable poise and self-awareness, especially for a young actress, expressing admiration for her maturity and elegant demeanor on set.
From the initial days of filming, Hunnam observed that Beatty lived up to the glowing endorsements he had heard from Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Max Winkler. Her performance as Lizzie Borden was immediately impressive, making it clear to Hunnam that she was an exceptional artistic partner. This strong on-screen chemistry is expected to be a key element in conveying the tumultuous and tragic family dynamics at the heart of the Borden case.
The Enduring Allure of True Crime Anthologies
The Monster anthology series continues to tap into the enduring public fascination with infamous true-crime narratives. By dedicating each season to a different notorious figure or case, creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan successfully leverage the mystery, psychological intrigue, and historical impact of these stories. The shift from a well-documented "monster" like Ed Gein to the ambiguous victim Andrew Borden in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story showcases the series’ versatility in exploring the human elements within these dark historical events.
The ability to reimagine and speculate about figures like Andrew Borden, where historical records are sparse, offers a fresh perspective on well-known tragedies. This approach allows for a deeper character-driven narrative, inviting viewers to consider the psychological pressures and domestic environments that might lead to unimaginable acts. As Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story streams all episodes on Netflix, it invites audiences to revisit one of America’s most enduring and perplexing true-crime mysteries through a compelling dramatic lens.
