About American Monster

'American Monster' is a true crime series that was first released in 2016. It airs on Investigation Discovery and adopts a unique storytelling perspective. Instead of solely focusing on the gory details of heinous crimes, it explores the lives of the criminals before they become convicts by leveraging videos and photos from the culprits’ personal collection. It delves into the disturbing truth of how individuals' capacity for kindness can be overshadowed by a much darker side, transforming them into monsters.

Making / Production

Produced by Arrow Media for Investigation Discovery, American Monster is a series that breaks away from the conventional format of crime documentaries. Their creative use of home video footage offers a jarring contrast between the ordinary lives that these criminals once led and the monstrous acts they later committed.

Actors

• Tom Streithorst: Narrator. He carefully articulates each scene, deepening the intrigue and suspense.
• Grant Ross: Played various roles in re-enactments. His versatile performances add depth to the reconstructed crime scenes.
• Vicky Wanless: Featured in several episodes, playing different characters. Her diverse portrayals contribute to the dramatic reconstruction of the chilling events.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The re-enactment scenes in American Monster are often performed by family members and close friends of the real victims.
• Despite its gruesome subject matter, the show has been praised for its delicate balance of empathy and factual reporting.

Quotes

• "Behind our white picket fences lies the true American horror story."
• "The American dream can be an absolute nightmare when you get up close."

Music, Soundtrack

• The sound effects and background music of American Monster accentuate the eerie atmosphere that permeates each episode.
• The soundtrack, while minimalistic, is used strategically to heighten the tension and suspense.