Zac Efron As Ted Bundy Is What's Wrong With Hollywood Today
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Zac Efron As Ted Bundy Is What's Wrong With Hollywood Today

It's not hard to crush on a deadly murderer when he's got smoldering blue eyes and unmistakable sex-appeal.

278
https://www.flickr.com/photos/angeliathatsme/6261541918
Flickr

This past January marked the 30th anniversary of the public execution of America's most notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy. The anniversary has sparked a wake of interest in the American media as several new films and documentaries are premiering this year, chronicling the life, mind, and killings of Bundy. Netflix's "Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes" has been most recently criticized for its glorified portrayal of the murderer.

The four-episode miniseries evades most of the gory details of Bundy's murders and instead allows him to paint this picture of himself in the exact light that he so badly wanted to be portrayed. He wanted to be talked about and feared. He wanted to have a looming power over people and to have complete control over his victims. This man was a cold-blooded killer who selfishly stole the lives of dozens of innocent women and girls over the span of a decade. He was a bonafide monster. So, the one thing that I can't seem to figure out is why American media is so fixated on this man, and white male serial killers in general.

Bundy's evil legacy will be further memorialized in the upcoming film "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile", which will premiere on streaming services in May. The famous murderer will be played by everyone's favorite former-Wildcat and current-heartthrob, Zac Efron. Now don't get me wrong, I love Zac, and I have no doubt that he'll be convincing as the charismatic-killer. My concerns are mainly directed towards the romanticizing of Bundy's story.

I understand that casting a Hollywood-hunk helps bring Bundy's charming character to life. I just feel that the media is sexing this movie up, big time, and it's sending the wrong message to younger generations, especially young fans of Efron. I can't say I'm surprised that the filmmakers cast Efron in the role. Sex sells, and Zac Efron is about to be the salesman of the year.

Let's be real, Zac Efron could probably drive my car into a lake and I'd still be like: "Take your shirt off!" He's lovable! There's no denying it. I worry that Efron's suave charm will bleed too far onto his depiction of Bundy, and it will influence the feelings of those who have never heard of the killer until now. It's not hard to crush on a deadly murderer when he's got smoldering blue eyes and unmistakable sex-appeal.

I'm sure this film will be a huge success, and Efron's portrayal of Bundy will win the hearts of serial killer-lovers everywhere. If we're being honest here, I'm absolutely going to watch the film despite my indifferent feelings on the casting. I, like many people, have a strange fascination with criminal minds. However, I'll be conscious to not let Efron's good looks and bad-boy demeanor to not influence my true perception of Ted Bundy, who truly was extremely wicked, shockingly evil, and vile.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94438
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments