Introduction
Ted Bundy is one of the most prolific and oft discussed serial killers in American history. He still peaks the interest of movie goers and TV watchers. In the past couple of years Netflix’s Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes and Amazon’s Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer both were wildly successful. Zac Efron also knocked it out of the park in Joe Berlinger’s Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. This week, the latest entry into the Ted Bundy catalogue premieres. The Amber Sealey directed No Man Of God.
Premise
No Man Of God primarily focuses on the final years of Ted Bundy’s life. The films’ central plotline is on the unsettling and at times uncomfortable bond that forms between Bundy and Special Agent Hagmaier. Hagmaier’s only goal – as with any profiler – was to try and understand the mindset of his subject. In this case, a prolific, charismatic and incredibly intelligent serial killer.
No Man Of God is based on the actual transcripts and recordings that were documented between 1984 and 1989 between Bundy and Hagmaier. The relationship between the two developed as Hagmaier would return to the Florida State Penitentiary every year. In order to try and uncover more of Bundy’s heinous crimes. As well as his motivations for committing them. At the time the interviews start, Bundy has confessed to nothing. Claiming often that he “wasn’t sure” if he had committed a particular murder.
Bundy also would also frequently refer to himself in the 3rd person. This in order to avoid giving a flat out confession. No one at the FBI had wanted to interview Bundy. As all the Agents were sure that it was a waste of time. Hagmaier was the only one that had volunteered for the assignment. Even his bosses were skeptical that anything would come of it. What transpires over the next 9 years was truly astonishing.
The Cast
Elijah Wood (The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy), portrays Agent Hagmaier. The actor still looks the same as he did 20 years ago. His boyish face adds to the intense back and forth between a sociopathic monster and a fresh-faced FBI Agent. One who is trying desperately to peel back the layers of Bundy’s psyche. Wood has always been a fantastic actor, and his talents are on full display throughout No Man Of God.
Canadian actor Luke Kirby (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) is the latest actor to step into the shoes of Ted Bundy. He is absolutely incredible in the role. The transformation and physical resemblance is remarkable. On top of the physical similarities, Kirby has that clean-cut way about him that was a staple of Bundy. Kirby comes off as arrogant and calm. Yet also unnerving and creepy. All characteristics of the real-life Bundy.
Aleksa Palladino (Boardwalk Empire) as Bundy’s lawyer Carolyn Lieberman turns in a solid performance in a relatively small role. Robert Patrick (The Sopranos) is well cast as Behavioral Science Unit chief Robert Depue. The supporting cast is rounded out by Christian Clemenson (Boston Legal). As well as Mac Brandt (Prison Break), who both are adequate in minor supporting roles.
Analysis
No Man Of God, for the majority of the film, acts a a 2-man play. It is on this foundation that the performances of both Wood and Kirby take the film to another level. Its not an understatement to say that watching two men talk to each other in a room could get boring. However, the emoting and mannerisms of both lead actors are so convincing. That the viewer becomes engrossed and fully committed.
Sealey wisely amps up the tension midway through the film by turning No Man Of God into a tense race-against-time thriller. Covering the few days right before Bundy’s 1989 execution. As well as his promise to confess to his crimes. While this is a film where we know the ending result. Sealey’s direction, and Wood and Kirby’s performances, are so good, that we are willing to buy the ticket and take the ride.
The screenplay for No Man Of God was written by C. Robert Cargill (Sinister). Who is writing under the pseudonym, Kit Lesser. Lesser and Sealey wisely decide to focus the films narrative almost entirely on the relationship between Bundy and Hagmaier. As a result, we have a script that is heavy on detail. Yet without too much exposition. Which can often derail a movie.
Conclusion
The production design and muted colors and tones that are presented throughout No Man Of God adds to the films authentic feel. While the film also incorporates actual interview transcripts as well as real-life footage. However, it’s the performances that truly set it apart from other Ted Bundy biopics. It can’t be said that No Man Of God offers anything new that we didn’t already know. It doesn’t. It’s not meant to.
What Sealey’s fantastic film does do is ask the audience whether its possible to show empathy for a monster. It also shows the viewer the toll that is taken by trying to understand such a monster. No Man Of God tells the story of Ted Bundy’s final days from the view of Special Agent Hagmaier. It’s a new and unique take on a story that has been rehashed many times before.
No Man Of God is available in Theaters, On Demand and Digital August 27, 2021.
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