Why is extremely wicked shockingly evil and vile

Overview

The phrase 'extremely wicked shockingly evil and vile' originates from Judge Edward Cowart's sentencing remarks during Ted Bundy's 1979 trial in Miami, Florida. Bundy, one of America's most notorious serial killers, was convicted of the 1978 murders of two Florida State University students and the assault of three others. Born Theodore Robert Bundy on November 24, 1946, he confessed to 30 murders across seven states between 1974 and 1978, though the actual number may be higher. His crimes, characterized by sexual violence and necrophilia, shocked the nation and changed how law enforcement approached serial murder investigations. The 2019 film adaptation, directed by Joe Berlinger, takes its title directly from Judge Cowart's courtroom condemnation, which described Bundy's acts as 'extremely wicked, shockingly evil, vile.' The film premiered at Sundance on January 26, 2019, before its Netflix release, presenting Bundy's story through the perspective of his longtime girlfriend Elizabeth Kloepfer, played by Lily Collins.

How It Works

The film 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile' works by employing a narrative structure that focuses on Bundy's public persona and relationships rather than graphic depictions of his crimes. Director Joe Berlinger, who also directed the documentary series 'Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes' released in January 2019, uses this approach to explore how Bundy maintained a facade of normalcy while committing atrocities. The film depicts key events chronologically, starting with Bundy's 1974 crimes in Washington state, his 1975 arrest in Utah, his 1977 escape from Colorado, and culminating in his 1979 Florida trial. By casting Zac Efron—known for his wholesome image—as Bundy, the film emphasizes the killer's charm and ability to deceive those around him. This method allows viewers to understand how Bundy evaded capture for years, with the film showing his manipulation of the legal system and media, including his own defense during parts of his trial where he represented himself.

Why It Matters

This film matters because it contributes to ongoing cultural examinations of true crime and its victims. Released during a resurgence of interest in Bundy's case—coinciding with the 30th anniversary of his 1989 execution—it sparked discussions about ethical storytelling in true crime media. The film's perspective through Elizabeth Kloepfer's experience highlights how victims' families and associates are affected long-term, with Kloepfer spending years doubting Bundy's guilt despite mounting evidence. It also demonstrates how high-profile cases influence legal procedures; Bundy's trial was among the first nationally televised court cases, setting precedents for media coverage. Furthermore, the film's release alongside Berlinger's documentary series provided a multifaceted look at Bundy's legacy, reminding audiences that behind sensational headlines are real human tragedies that continue to resonate decades later.