Cast of 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' Discusses Comedic Approach and Character Empathy
The cast of Netflix's 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' talk about framing the infamous murder case as a comedy. Charlie Hunnam, who plays Lizzie's father, describes his character's morbid undertaker profession and his own hobby of chopping wood. The actors express finding unexpected empathy for their monstrous characters.
Hunnam's preparation for the role involved an unusual method: he began collecting and splitting fallen trees he spotted along Los Angeles roadways, loading the wood into his pickup truck. This hands-on hobby mirrored his character's grim profession as an undertaker who would amputate bodies to fit coffins, a detail the actor embraced with evident relish.
The production's creative team deliberately framed the notorious 1892 Borden murders as dark comedy rather than straightforward horror or drama. This tonal choice allowed the performers to explore their characters' psychology from unexpected angles, with several cast members noting they developed genuine understanding and sympathy for figures traditionally viewed as irredeemable villains.
This comedic reframing of a true-crime story could shift how audiences engage with historical violence, potentially normalizing or humanizing figures typically condemned outright. Viewers may find themselves questioning moral absolutes, while true-crime enthusiasts might appreciate the fresh perspective. However, the approach could also draw criticism for trivializing real tragedy, particularly from descendants or communities affected by similar crimes. The series' success may influence how other productions handle sensitive historical material.