Synopsis
One of the easiest ways to cement your name in Hollywood is to be a serial killer. Charles Starkweather, Ed Gein, Henry Lee Lucas and Aileen Wuornos have all had their own films and have also been the fountain of inspiration for many a horror film director. If the terminology serial killer was founded in America, how does the biographical film of the ‘rock star’ like Ted Bundy fit within this gruesome motley crew? Ever since his directorial debut, Freeway (1996), Matthew Bright has had a fascination with serial killers. Ted Bundy reconstructs the evil killing spree of one of the most diligent serial killers in the annals of American crime, twice escaping from prison, even killing on the run, and finally executed in the electric chair with almost an indifferent and audacious persona. Tom Savini created the key special makeup effects. He is responsible for the countless female corpses; women who ultimately suffered extreme acts of violence and rape by Bundy that are almost unbearable to watch. Despite this, the film is basically a comedy. Fast paced and almost buoyant in tone, it recollects Bundy’s infamous deeds. That is coupled with Michael Reilly Burke’s naive and innocent portrayal of Ted Bundy, which supplies the chilling humour to this film. The film does not explain how a simple, average man was transformed into a hideous and delusional monster. Whether this is by intent of the director’s hand or not, the guiltless and unremorseful Bundy with his naive and innocent smile is blood chilling. (Djuna)