Is Hollywood Romanticizing Serial Killers? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Film

Is Hollywood Romanticizing Serial Killers?

Zac Efron's role as Ted Bundy is controversial, and the debate has sparked a conversation about an even bigger problem.

752
Is Hollywood Romanticizing Serial Killers?

"Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile" recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and has since generated a lot of online debate. The film, which stars Zac Efron as serial killer Ted Bundy, has become a trending topic due to its controversial nature. People found themselves asking, was this film glamorizing the infamous killer, or was it accurately portraying him as "handsome" and "charismatic"? It seems that most of the Internet has come to the agreement that yes, the film was romanticizing Ted Bundy, but that's because that's what actually happened in the 1970s. All those years ago, people actually saw the murderer as charming and attractive, so it seems that Zac Efron was a suitable choice for the role.

But, even if you were to ignore the controversy surrounding "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile," there is definitely an issue in Hollywood when it comes to the portrayal of killers, psychopaths, and other types of menaces. In addition to Zac Efron, the past few years have seen some of our favorite childhood actors play violent and dangerous people, both real and fictional. In the 2017 film, "My Friend Dahmer," the cannibalistic murderer was portrayed by Ross Lynch, the blonde and bubbly former Disney Channel star. That same year, yet another Disney darling, Dylan Sprouse, took on the role of a violent psychopath in the movie "Dismissed." And Netflix's most recent hit, "You," sees Penn Badgley of "Gossip Girl" transform into a stalker and eventual killer.

We grew up watching these actors play some of our favorite characters in various movies and TV shows - the same movies and TV shows that shaped us to become who we are today. Our childhood is a pivotal time in our development, and what we saw on television and in theaters was a big deal to us. And now, all these years later, it's hard to separate the characteristics of Troy Bolton from that of Ted Bundy or think of the boisterous yet harmless twin Zack Martin as a violent psychopath.

When a person is unable to dissociate one character from another, there is a high possibility of false empathy. We take the desirable attributes of the actor and/or their former character, and then associate them with their new character. We might see ourselves attracted to killers, or sympathize with the actions of psychopaths and stalkers. For example, in "You," Penn Badgley plays violet stalker, Joe Goldberg. Badgley is most famous for his role in "Gossip Girl," in which he plays Dan Humphrey, a nice, funny, and creative New Yorker that woos a pretty blonde - all characteristics that could be used to describe Joe Goldberg. Because of how close Joe's personality is to Dan's, it can be difficult to not see Joe for the horrible monster he actually is.

This new trend of casting charming actors as murderous and violent people might cause some serious problems later down the road. The young and impressionable youth of today might find themselves empathizing with and falling for people who are actually dangerous. Of course, not all killers and psychopaths are unappealing outcasts, so not all killers and psychopaths have to be portrayed by unattractive or unpopular actors. But, because a majority of the roles go to handsome and famous actors, there's a possibility that the way we view dangerous psychopaths and murderers might be changing, and definitely not in a good way.

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

19602
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8262
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6011
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5209
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments