We are all aware of the infamous serial killers like Zodiac Killer, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and the list goes on. But what is even more interesting? The fact that there are videos, articles, movies and books about these people. These movies are still being made, in fact Dahmer had a movie made about him in 2017 starring Ross Lynch and Netflix, yes Netflix, just recently released a film about Ted Bundy in 2019 starring Zac Efron and Lily Collins. These movies are getting semi to full on popular and recognizable celebrities to play these criminals. Which we have to stop to think about how fair and okay this is for the victims’ families of these killers. Some people may watch these films and oddly become enthralled by these crimes.
The newest Ted Bundy movie faced a lot of blowback from different audiences because of the attractiveness of Zac Efron. Being controversial, back in the time frame of Bundy, he was believed to be attractive which is why he was not taken into custody faster. Many people were outraged that Efron took the role, but these people had to be reminded that Bundy was not an unattractive man. People are focused on this aspect of the movie, but they are failing to think about the people who may be affected by another movie being produced about this killer.
Do these films exploit the already dead serial killer, because obviously they are not making any money? Does the media profit go towards any foundations or victim restitution for their families? Why do we as consumers believe that these topics are the most interesting?
