Zac Efron steps into the role of Ted Bundy. The infamous serial killer who murdered at least 30 women during the 1970s.
Director Joe Berlinger takes the chilling tale from the perspective of Liz, Ted’s girlfriend. A woman who met Bundy in a bar and who stands by him during the initial allegations. The film steps away from displaying the brutal killings and instead revolves around the rather normal, caring and loving guy that Bundy portrayed to Liz during their relationship.
Photo Credit – Brian Douglas
The movie airs a lighthearted tone around such serious murder cases. The film embellishes the charisma and charm that Bundy possessed. Whilst Bundy never had the Efron teen heartthrob appearance the film amplifies his charm by casting Efron in the role to project Bundy’s over-exafferated charisma.
Stepping away from his stereotype Zac Efron certainly looks the part. Baring a striking resemblance to the killer and stepping out of his comfort zone to deliver a captivating and chilling performance. The sheer audacity of a law student representing himself in court with all the evidence stacked against him and still pledging his innocence is intriguing. Whilst the majority of the film concentrates on Bundy’s publicised court trial and two attempted custody escapes the film is still gripping and throughly enjoyable.
Violence takes a back seat in this film. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile takes a more buoyant approach and glosses over the majority of grisly details. As far as a biopic goes its a poor one in that regard. But as a pacy, interesting look at the perspective of someone who knew Ted Bundy it delivers in that department. Efron delivers in full with cold, demonic expertise.
Review by Sean Evans
Summary
Nothing new is necessarily learned throughout the film other than Efron is one hell of an actor. But it’s so great to see Efron finally stepping out of his stereotype and delivering an earth-shattering first class performance as serial killer Ted Bundy
