Ted Bundy was a notorious American serial killer, well-known for being ‘charming, intelligent and deceiving’. Throughout the 1970s, Bundy kidnapped, murdered and raped at least 36 young women. However, many experts have estimated that figures would most likely resemble one hundred or more. He was executed by the electric chair in 1989 so the tree extent of his crimes will now never be known, it will now only be the curiosity of the cases that will live on. Many authors, directors and academics allow the story of these victims to live on through a range of mediums… tv, film, books. If you are interested about learning more in regards to Bundy, this article will be the guide to such information.
Conversations with a killer: The Ted Bundy tapes
This TV mini-series, streamed on Netflix, takes a look into how Bundy’s mind worked and what may have lead to such tragedy. The documentary premiered on January 24th 2019, on the 30th anniversary of Bundy’s execution. This documentary offers access into condensed snippets of interviews that were conducted with Bundy himself whilst on death row. You learn more about his ‘idyllic’ childhood, his escape from custody, the true depth of his murders. To gather your knowledge of the basic facts, this is the four-part series to watch.
Extremely wicked, Shockingly evil and vile
Now this one, you will have to pay for. It’s £2.49 and available on either Youtube, Google Play or Amazon Prime. Zac Efron offers a captivating performance, representing Bundy perfectly. Efron was the enviable candidate for the role, he shadowed the actions of Bundy with noticeable charisma, seediness and self-loathing. Additionally, the insight to Bundy’s home-life it also brilliantly executed as Lily Collins represents his parter ‘Liz Kendall’. Overall, the performance within this movie is enthralling and allows viewers a real-life insight into Bundy’s personality, life and actions… all within 1hr48m.
Ted Bundy: Falling for a killer
Amazon Prime’s mini-TV series investigates Ted Bundy from a whole new perspective, the female. The long-time girlfriend of Bundy, Elizabeth Kendall, breaks her silence. Alongside her, daughter Molly and other survivors, offer their opinions and stories for the first time. The series is enlightening and explores how the feminist movements of the 1970s could have enhanced Bundy’s hatred of women and therefore led to his killing spree. This fresh perspective is a breath of fresh air amongst many that glamourised the serial killer.
I Survived Ted Bundy: The Attack, Escape & PTSD That Changed My Life
This book, written by Rhonda Stapley, explores the story of one of Ted Bundy’s victims, now survivors. Stapley miraculously managed to escape from Bundy’s clutches after a vicious attack. For decades, she stayed silent about her terrifying ordeal but in 2016, with the release of this book, her story was unveiled. When appearing on Dr. Phil McGraw’s show, he told Rhonda that “This book will save lives.”
Defending the Devil: My Story as Ted Bundy’s Last Lawyer
Polly Nelson was part of Ted Bundy’s legal defence team in his final years, from 1986 to 1989 when he was executed. In 1994, she released this book about her experience within this role. In her three-year stint, she had to balance her compassion for the victims, personal opinions on the gruesome crimes, whilst maintaining her dutiful role as a lawyer. Nelson shares her opinion on what it was like to work closely for the notorious killer and how many aspects of his personality and views were not publicised.