It seems there's a real mixed bag of responses to this film, and many of them not so good. However I thought the film was actually pretty interesting. If you go into it expecting a tense or gruesome thriller based on the well known killer, it's no wonder you may end the film being disappointed. It really isn't that type of film. It's more of an exploratory film that attempts to look into the mind of Ted, and his fiancé once the law closes in on him. In this respect, I found this project to actually be a fairly unique and worthy quest.
Say what you will, but to me this was an interesting view on the true crime events of Bundy. Here in this portrayal, and you do also see it in real Bundy interview footage as well, it seems that Ted entirely disassociates himself from the crimes in his mind, and from the person who did the crimes. As if he has a totally 'Other' side within himself. Obviously a serial killer must compartmentalize themselves to a certain degree, especially if they are to continue carrying on relationships in society that hide their darker side. For Ted this was certainly part of his aim. Many believe that Ted maintained his innocence for so long mainly because it gave him some form of control, which was in a way his obsession. The film focuses on this manipulative aspect, and in my view, quite successfully. I think his day to day manipulative behaviour was overall captured and written much better for the TV film, The Deliberate Stranger. Nonetheless this film is still quite interesting in it's own right.
To be honest, I never totally believed that his long time girlfriend with the daughter, had such a hard time believing it was him that did the murders. It's hard to believe that anyone would do the things Ted did, sure, in that way I understand her disbelief. However in reality, contrary to this film, she actually reported Ted to the police three different times. So to me, that says her suspicions were pretty firm. Truthfully, this film ignores a lot of facts, but to me it's still worth a watch or two.
I've never been much of an Efron guy from what I've seen in the past. Though I must admit, here he does a very good job. Strong performance, pretty strong film. Lily Collins however is pretty much always a pleasure to watch. Her performance here was nothing short of excellent. I believe I also noticed that "I see dead people" kid in the film. Don't let any of this push or pull you. If you're interested in it, watch it, but I recommend going into this film, and in fact all films without any expectations. As the Buddha is often credited with saying, "Think less, observe more.". 7/10
Say what you will, but to me this was an interesting view on the true crime events of Bundy. Here in this portrayal, and you do also see it in real Bundy interview footage as well, it seems that Ted entirely disassociates himself from the crimes in his mind, and from the person who did the crimes. As if he has a totally 'Other' side within himself. Obviously a serial killer must compartmentalize themselves to a certain degree, especially if they are to continue carrying on relationships in society that hide their darker side. For Ted this was certainly part of his aim. Many believe that Ted maintained his innocence for so long mainly because it gave him some form of control, which was in a way his obsession. The film focuses on this manipulative aspect, and in my view, quite successfully. I think his day to day manipulative behaviour was overall captured and written much better for the TV film, The Deliberate Stranger. Nonetheless this film is still quite interesting in it's own right.
To be honest, I never totally believed that his long time girlfriend with the daughter, had such a hard time believing it was him that did the murders. It's hard to believe that anyone would do the things Ted did, sure, in that way I understand her disbelief. However in reality, contrary to this film, she actually reported Ted to the police three different times. So to me, that says her suspicions were pretty firm. Truthfully, this film ignores a lot of facts, but to me it's still worth a watch or two.
I've never been much of an Efron guy from what I've seen in the past. Though I must admit, here he does a very good job. Strong performance, pretty strong film. Lily Collins however is pretty much always a pleasure to watch. Her performance here was nothing short of excellent. I believe I also noticed that "I see dead people" kid in the film. Don't let any of this push or pull you. If you're interested in it, watch it, but I recommend going into this film, and in fact all films without any expectations. As the Buddha is often credited with saying, "Think less, observe more.". 7/10