DAHMER Star Evan Peters Says Dark Roles Are ‘Hurting [His] Soul’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Evan Peters is known for his roles on shows like AMERICAN HORROR STORY, POSE, and the new Netflix show DAHMER – MONSTER: THE JEFFREY DAHMER STORY. Peters typically plays dark, violent characters, and the actor admitted these parts take a toll on him.
“I don’t like to yell and scream. I actually hate it,” Peters said of his intense performances. “I think it’s disgusting and really awful, and it’s been a challenge for me. HORROR STORY sort of demanded that of me.”
He continued, “It’s been all a massive stretch for me and really difficult to do. It’s hurting my soul and Evan as a person. There’s this massive amount of rage that’s been called upon from me, and the emotional stuff that’s been called on me…has been heartbreaking, and I’m sick. I don’t feel good.”
Peters shared that the actors he most wants to emulate are comic stars like Tom Hanks, Chris Farley, Jim Carrey, and Robin Williams, and that he wants to move away from these intense roles — for a very good reason.
“It’s just exhausting. It’s really mentally draining, and you don’t want to go to those places ever in your life,” the actor explained. “And so you have to go there for the scenes, and it ends up integrating it somehow into your life. You’re in traffic and you find yourself screaming and you’re like, What? This isn’t who I am.”
Peters’ dark roles aren’t just affecting him. Movieguide® previously reported on how DAHMER is affecting the families of the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s victims:
The family of one of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s victim’s says the new Netflix show is profiting off their pain and is re-traumatizing those who lived through it.
“It’s sad that they’re just making money off of this tragedy. That’s just greed,” says Rita Isbell, sister of Erroll Lindsey. “The episode with me was the only part I saw. I didn’t watch the whole show. I don’t need to watch it. I lived it. I know exactly what happened.”
DAHMER – MONSTER: THE JEFFREY DAHMER STORY dropped on Netflix earlier this month, and stars Evan Peters in a hyperviolent, hyper grotesque retelling from the hands of AMERICAN HORROR STORY Producer Ryan Murphy.
Murphy is known for taking significant liberties in his productions, using shock to entice viewers.
For the families of Dahmer’s victims, this is unacceptable.
“I’m not telling anyone what to watch, I know true crime media is huge rn, but if you’re actually curious about the victims, my family (the Isbell’s) are pissed about this show,” says Eric Perry, who identifies himself as Lindsey’s cousin. “It’s retraumatizing over and over again, and for what? How many movies/shows/documentaries do we need?”
Both members of the family state that no one notified their family was about to be exploited yet again for the sake of entertainment.
Isbell writes:
When I saw some of the show, it bothered me, especially when I saw myself — when I saw my name come across the screen and this lady saying verbatim exactly what I said.
If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought it was me. Her hair was like mine, she had on the same clothes. That’s why it felt like reliving it all over again. It brought back all the emotions I was feeling back then.
I was never contacted about the show. I feel like Netflix should’ve asked if we mind or how we felt about making it. They didn’t ask me anything. They just did it.
Even mainstream critics know the show is done in poor taste.
“Reducing most of the victims and their families to their pain is closer to exploiting that pain than honoring any memories.” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
DAHMER is a pathetic reflection of society’s insatiable appetite for pursuing darker entertainment. When left unchecked, studios will delve into painful, exploitive, hyper violence.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
