Ted Bundy was one of the most prolific serial killers of our time. He was the kind of guy who could blend into a crowd. As his victims kept showing up, he wasn’t even suspected until the body count hit close to a dozen. He was the type of guy who relied heavy on his charm to complete his fascination of torture, rape and murder. While true crime remains one of the most listened to genres of podcasts, there is something about Bundy’s story that has captivated us. His story has transcended books, film, countless podcasts and even heavy-handed Netflix content including the docu-series, Confessions with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes and the Zac Efron-led, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile last year. He is even poised to be the central focus on another upcoming docuseries for Amazon Prime in Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer.

There is something that is within us just needs to know more about this man, his crimes, his methodology and his charm. While Bundy has been popping up more and more modernly, our obsession isn’t anything new. His crimes has been the central focus of countless books and even films including 2003’s The Stranger Behind Me. Stranger brings to life the 1980 autobiographical account of close Bundy friend, Ann Rule. The thing that really starts to get me about these Bundy biopics is the marketing behind them. Stranger, much like last year’s Extremely Wicked, is geared to be this big focus on Bundy and his journey from charming young lad to big time serial killer. Stranger never reaches Bundy level for a couple of reasons.

First of which being Bruce Campbell in the role as the titular killer. Remember when I said that we have an obsession with men like Bundy? We live in a day and age where Bundy’s information is accessible with the snap of a finger. One fact that has transcended about Bundy throughout the multiple mediums of media, he’s been depicted in, has been his charm. His charm was the bait that would often lore his victims to their untimely demises. Campbell operates miles from charm. To be honest, this feels more like Zach Morris doing a Ted Bundy impression on Saved by the Bell than actually being charming. Campbell feels flat, uninspired and quite honestly boring.

Second, Stranger tells spins its narrative more around how Ann Rule got her book published, than the actual crimes or relationship of Rule and Bundy. While it does feel cheapened by some misinformation, Rule’s arc is actually fascinating to watch unfold. Barbara Hershey, as Rule, is fantastic casting. She is the heartbeat of the film and she manages to electrify every frame. Even if the script is a bit lackluster, Hershey manages to command the screen with what she is given. A true testament to her ability as an actress to disappear into the heartbreaking life of Rule. Hershey is one of the only redeeming qualities of the film.

They are far and few between. I’m not entirely sure which network this film called home when it aired in ’03 but it operates like a Lifetime movie. Some stories need to really reach the full extent of their medium if they want to come across effective. The early 2000s’ censorship of television really stands in the way. The effects of the murders feel cheapened by its budget. The script feels tamed and the pacing within the film comes across awkward. Always aiming to be more but having to settle for its medium. The film never quite gets there.

Overall, The Stranger Behind Me, is a movie that dreams of the bright lights of Hollywood but in the end, settles as a made-for-TV movie. Billy Campbell, stars as the titular Ted Bundy, but never pushes the role as far as it can go. Campbell is wooden and his acting feels like a high school production, rather than a movie. The actor never channels the iconic killer’s charisma or charm, robbing audiences along the way. The pacing is awkward and operating on borrowed time. The medium of television movies robs the true potential of the Bundy biopic. Stranger is more of an Ann Rule biopic, showcasing the road that led to the source material of the film. Barbara Hershey, as Ann Rule, is one of the only strengths of Stranger. Her performance is emotional, compelling and endearing. The Stranger Beside Me is strange for reasons you don’t want it to be.

RORSCHACH RATING:

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