The Stranger Beside Me isn't just any other scary movie based on a true story. The film is based on the first bestselling book by Ann Rule, who was unknowingly friends with Ted Bundy during his killing spree. The 2003 version might not be one of the best murder mysteries ever, nor does the film follow the actual murder victim's storylines.
For instance, Ann Rule's account of what happened is obviously imagined when it comes to the scenes where Ted Bundy is alone with his victims. For those that are curious, there are a few true crime documentaries on Hulu that talk about what really happened.
10 The Stranger Beside Me Is Based On A Book
The Stranger Beside Me is based on a book by the same name. Ann Rule, the author of the book, once worked with Bundy at a call center in the 70s.
However, she didn't start writing the book until she started to piece together that it might be her friend Ted who was responsible for the killings. Even though she started writing the book during that time, the movie isn't filmed like a typical 70s crime movie.
9 The Stranger Beside Me Was Ann Rules' First Of 35 Bestsellers
Before Ann Rule became famous, she used to write under the pen name "Andy Stack," but after The Stranger Beside Me became a bestseller, practically everything Ann Rule wrote was gold.
Throughout her career, she had five bestsellers, with The Stranger Beside Me being the first and most memorable. The best part is all 35 books that were published were published under her real name.
8 The Title Suggests Rule Didn't Know Her Friend Very Well
The title of the book isn't one of the most misleading movie titles, but once you realize the story is about Rule's friendship with Ted Bundy, it really makes one think about how frightening it is to think that you could know someone, only to discover that they are the main suspect in a killing spree.
Not only did Rule s consider Ted a friend, but she also considered him to be misunderstood, which is slightly problematic when considering the victims and their families.
7 Ann Rule Actually Liked Ted Bundy
Not only has Ann Rule discussed in great lengths how she met Ted Bundy while working in the same crisis call center together, but she has also spoken about their shifts and how often they saw each other.
In fact, Ann Rule mentions that the very first thing Ted Bundy ever said to her was, "You think we can handle all this?" Rule's work goes on to humanize Ted Bundy, but it also stripes him of any credibility, which is seen in the film.
6 A Lot Of Details In The Film Are Pieced Together Or Imagined
There are many details in the film which can be traced back or recognized as obvious reenactments. However, there are other times when it would have been impossible for Ann Rule to know what went on.
Some scenes, for instance, take place with Bundy and the victims, which Ann wouldn't have access to. Rule and the directors must have taken some creative liberties for dramatic effect.
5 The Stranger Beside Me Movie Was Nominated For A WAG Award
The 2003 version of The Stranger Beside Me, starring Billy Campbell, was nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award.
But there is a different film with the same title starring Tiffany Amber Thiessen, which came out in 1995 and didn't receive any nominations. Although they are not both horror movies, they are pretty decent psychological thrillers.
4 The Scene Where Ted Bundy Was Speaking With The Press Was More Unhinged In Real Life
There are a few scenes that can be traced back to actual real-life footage. For example, much of the courtroom scenes where Ted Bundy defended himself is available to the public. However, in the film, Ted Bundy is far less unhinged as he was in real life.
The film version of Ted seems like a jokester here, whereas the real-life Ted Bundy was a calculating, cold-blooded killer. Not only was Bundy more memorably bizarre in real life, the scene with the judge isn't as strong as the actual courtroom drama that unfolded.
3 The Movie Doesn't Delve Into Ted Bundy's Visits With His Daughter While In Jail
Surprising to a lot of people is the fact that Ted Bundy was a father. During his trial, Ted Bundy managed to propose to Carole Boone, a woman who'd been fighting to clear his name.
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During one of their conjugal visits, Ted got Carole pregnant and she subsequently gave birth to a child named Rose. The movie doesn't detail any of the time Rose visited Ted in Jail or where she is now.
2 Ted Bundy Probably Didn't Care If Ann Rule's Book Was A Bestseller
The book The Stranger Beside Me follows the friendship of Ann Rule with Ted Bundy. Still, the movie gives the viewer the impression that Ted Bundy was extremely interested in Ann Rule becoming a best-selling author.
A few times in the film, Ted asks Ann about her book she's working on and mentions how Ann writes like Truman Capote, a famous writer. Eventually, Ann Rule's book was made into a movie.
1 Ann Rule Was Writing As Andy Stack Before Writing Stranger Beside Me
As mentioned above, before writing The Stranger Beside Me, Ann Rule was writing small pieces under the male pen name "Andy Stack."
Ann has been interviewed explaining that the reason she wrote under the name "Andy Stack" was that people weren't keen on publishing stories written by women. According to the film, Ted Bundy showed a great interest in those first stories, often complimenting Rule.
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