
The use of whale sounds in Netflix's Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story has sparked curiosity among viewers, with some speculating about the symbolism and psychological motivations behind Dahmer's alleged interest in these sounds. While the show depicts Dahmer listening to whale noises in prison to aid his sleep, the accuracy of this portrayal has been questioned. Whale sounds are known to induce a sense of unease and have been used in psychological warfare, aligning with the unsettling atmosphere of the series.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for listening to whale sounds | To help him sleep |
| Whale sounds resemble | Sounds of people in agony |
| Whale sounds used in the series | To create an uneasy tone |
| Whale sounds in popular culture | Used in psychological warfare |
| Whale sounds in the series | Morphed through electronic loops and atmosphere |
| The series | Contains 10 episodes |
| The series | Is based on a true story |
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What You'll Learn

Whale sounds in Netflix's 'Dahmer'
Whale sounds feature prominently in Netflix's "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story". The series depicts Dahmer receiving letters and money from fans, which he uses to purchase a tape of whale sounds to help him sleep. The show uses whale calls as a recurring sound motif, creating an uneasy tone and suspense.
The use of whale sounds in the series is symbolic and adds to the creepy atmosphere. Whale noises are unsettling and have been described as sounding like people in agony. This may reflect Dahmer's character as someone who is open about his experiences yet remains a mystery, similar to how whales are one of the most studied species but our knowledge of them is limited. The deep, otherworldly sounds of whales may also represent the depths of the ocean, which are largely unexplored, mirroring the unknown aspects of Dahmer's psychology and the hidden nature of psychopaths.
The inclusion of whale sounds in the series is based on a true story. In real life, Jeffrey Dahmer was reported to have spent money donated by fans on "cassette recordings... including... sounds of humpback whales." This detail was included in the series to add to the realism and expose the dark origins of Dahmer's behaviour.
The sound design of the series was created by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, who described their process as spontaneous and meditative, allowing the sound to direct their choices. Ellis mentioned that the whale sounds were morphed through electronic loops and atmospheres, creating an eerie and ominous score that contrasted with the '80s pop hits also featured in the show.
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Jeffrey Dahmer's obsession with whale sounds
Jeffrey Dahmer was reportedly obsessed with whale sounds, which he found soothing and comforting. In prison, he is said to have listened to a tape of whale noises to help him sleep. This detail was depicted in Netflix's "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story", where it was revealed that Dahmer irritated his fellow inmates by playing the whale sounds tape loudly in his cell.
The use of whale sounds as a motif in the series has been interpreted in various ways by viewers. Some have suggested that the sounds represent the unknown depths of the ocean, similar to the unexplored depths of the human psyche, especially that of a psychopath. Whale noises have been used in psychological warfare, and some viewers have found them unsettling and creepy, which may contribute to the atmosphere of the show.
It has also been speculated that Dahmer found solace in whale sounds because they resembled the groans and cries of people in agony. This interpretation aligns with Dahmer's fascination with the viscera of his victims, as he was known to place his ear against their stomachs to listen to the gurgling and popping of their living organs for hours. This interest in the sounds of human suffering further underscores the disturbing nature of his crimes.
While the inclusion of whale sounds in the series appears to be a creative choice to enhance the suspense and unease of the viewers, it also draws attention to the enigmatic nature of both whale behaviour and the human capacity for extreme violence. The sounds serve as a reminder of the complex and often dark depths that exist within the human psyche, which, like the depths of the ocean, can remain hidden and mysterious.
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Whale sounds as a symbol of human suffering
The use of whale sounds in the Netflix series "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" serves as a symbolic representation of human suffering, specifically reflecting the agony and pain endured by Dahmer's victims. In the series, Dahmer is depicted as listening to whale noises in his cell, which creates an unsettling and creepy atmosphere.
Whale sounds, with their otherworldly and eerie quality, have been compared to the groans and cries of humans in agony. This interpretation is supported by Dahmer's character in the series, who is portrayed as deriving comfort from listening to the suffering of his victims. The use of whale noises throughout the show thus becomes a symbolic representation of the suffering and pain that Dahmer inflicted on his victims, emphasizing the psychological depth of his character as a psychopath.
Furthermore, the use of whale sounds in the series may also symbolize the mysterious and unknown aspects of both the ocean's depths and the human psyche. Just as the depths of the ocean remain largely unexplored, our understanding of the motivations and inner workings of psychopaths like Dahmer is limited, despite their willingness to be studied. This contrast between the known and the unknown adds another layer of symbolism to the use of whale sounds in the series.
In reality, Jeffrey Dahmer did receive letters and money from fans, which irritated other prisoners. He used this money to purchase a tape of whale sounds, among other things, to help him sleep. This detail was included in the series to add context and expose the dark origins of Dahmer's behaviour. The whale sounds in the series were morphed through electronic loops and atmospheres, creating an unsettling and suspenseful tone.
Overall, the use of whale sounds in "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" serves as a powerful symbol of human suffering, reflecting the agony and pain endured by Dahmer's victims and providing insight into the psychological depths of his character. The contrast between the peaceful nature associated with whales and the disturbing nature of their sounds in this context adds to the unsettling atmosphere of the series.
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Whale sounds in Dahmer's prison cell
The use of whale sounds in Netflix's "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" has sparked curiosity and speculation among viewers. In the series, Dahmer is depicted as listening to whale noises in his prison cell to aid him in falling asleep. This detail is based on a 1994 article from the Associated Press, which mentioned that Dahmer received letters and money from fans and used some of that money to purchase a tape of whale sounds. The show's music supervisor, Nick Cave, incorporated these whale cries into the score, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
The inclusion of whale sounds in the series serves multiple purposes. On one hand, it adds to the suspense and creates an uneasy tone, with viewers finding the sounds unsettling and creepy. Whale noises are also used in psychological warfare, further enhancing the disturbing nature of Dahmer's character. Additionally, the sounds may symbolize the unexplored depths of the ocean, mirroring the unknown aspects of Dahmer's psychology and the mysteries surrounding his motives.
Furthermore, some viewers have interpreted the whale noises as a representation of human suffering. Whale sounds can resemble the agonizing cries of people in pain, which may have been comforting to Dahmer given his interest in viscera and listening to the sounds of living organs. This interpretation adds another layer to the psychological profile of Dahmer and his fascination with the macabre.
While the inclusion of whale sounds in the series is a creative choice, there is limited information suggesting that the real Jeffrey Dahmer listened to whale noises in his prison cell. Some viewers have expressed doubt about this aspect, stating that they could not find evidence to support it. However, the sounds have left a lasting impression on audiences, with many recognizing the whale calls and connecting them to the show.
Overall, the use of whale sounds in Dahmer's prison cell in the series serves as a symbolic and auditory tool to enhance the storytelling, providing insight into the mind of a psychopath and creating an unsettling atmosphere that reflects the dark nature of Dahmer's character.
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Whale sounds in popular culture
Whale sounds have made their way into popular culture in various ways, from music to television and film.
Music
Whale sounds have been incorporated into music in several ways. In the mid-20th century, a biologist discovered the beauty of humpback whale songs, and his recordings were woven into popular music, sparking a movement that helped shift public opinion on whale hunting. Roger Payne, a biologist, and Katy Payne, a researcher, are credited for bringing whale songs to the attention of the public. Capitol Records released Payne's recording of humpback whale songs, which became the best-selling natural sounds album of all time. These songs were also played on the radio and TV to raise money for Greenpeace's campaign to save the whales.
Whale sounds have also inspired musicians to create music that imitates or incorporates these sounds. For example, in the song "Estranged" by Guns N' Roses, Slash does some humpback whale imitations on the guitar. Additionally, the album "Loveless" by My Bloody Valentine has been described as sounding like whale songs.
Television and Film
Whale sounds have been used in television and film to create suspense and an uneasy tone. For example, in the Netflix series "Dahmer," whale cries were used to help the main character, a serial killer, fall asleep in his jail cell. The use of whale sounds in this context may be symbolic, reflecting the character's psychology and the unknown depths of his mind, similar to the unexplored depths of the ocean.
In addition to their use in creating atmosphere, whale sounds have also been used in psychological warfare. For example, during the Waco raid, the feds played whale and dolphin noises for hours, possibly to disorient and confuse those inside.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dahmer listened to whale sounds in prison to help him sleep.
Dahmer was obsessed with the sounds that came from inside the human body, and whale sounds are uncannily similar. Whale sounds also resemble the sound of people in agony, which aligns with Dahmer's character.
Dahmer purchased the tape of whale sounds with money sent to him by his fans.
Yes, the sounds irritated other prisoners. They assumed the whale sounds were the screams of people.
Yes, whale cries were used throughout the series as suspense stingers and to create an uneasy tone.



























