5 Most Memorable Hollywood Serial Killers!

The news of Zac Efron playing the role of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy hasn’t stopped trending, ever since it was revealed yesterday. Fans have took social media by storm and are discussing whether the Baywatch actor can make it big with the role of a serial killer in Hollywood. Movies based on serial killers isn’t unheard of. From Anthony Hopkins’ memorable role of Hannibal Lector in the Silence of the Lambs to Christian Bale’s role of a a serial killing sociopath in American Psycho, we take a look at some of Hollywood’s on-screen serial killers who have remained high up in public memory, despite the years.

1.Anthony Hopkins

The 79-year-old actor sent shivers through the spine with his portrayal of former psychiatrist and a serial killer in the 1991 film Silence of The Lambs. In an interview, Hopkins, who won an Oscar for his 17-minute long role in the film said that Hannibal was one of the “easiest roles” he has ever played, and he tricked the audience by playing a complete opposite to what the script had. “Play the opposite. Don’t play a monster. Just play someone who is, ‘Good morning. You’re not real FBI are you, Clarice?” he was quoted as saying.

2.Christian Bale

The English actor was seen as a wealthy American businessman, Patrick Bateman, who had to hide his psychopathic ego from friends, which later turned into a Hollywood film American Psycho (2000). According to the film’s writer, Bret Easton Ellis, once Bale met him for lunch as movie’s character Patrick Bateman. Ellis stated that he became uncomfortable with the character and asked Bale to drop the act. In an interview it was also revealed that Christian Bale got inspired by Tom Cruise and “intense friendliness with nothing behind the eyes”. He based Patrick Bateman on Tom Cruise.

3.Kevin Spacey

The David Fincher directorial - Se7en (1995)- saw Kevin Space play a serial killer, who chose and killed his victims brutally based on the seven deadly sins in the Holy Bible. The icing on the cake was the final two murders by Spacey that included the murder of Brad Pitt’s wife, and then, himself. The film was nominated for Best Film Editing at the 68th Academy Awards

4.Tobin Bell

Probably one of the goriest serial killer in Hollywood, Tobin Bell played the role of John Kramer aKa The Jigsaw Killer in the popular Saw film franchise. As a recurring character in six installments of the franchise, Kramer kidnaps people and puts them through deathly scenarios so that they appreciate life. “Let’s play a play a game,”
is one of the most haunting sentences for those who have watched the series.

5.John Caroll Lynch

Based on true incidents, Zodiac (2007) is about a serial killer, in the 1960s and ‘70s who was never arrested by American lawmakers, because of lack of evidence. John Caroll Lynch’s portrayed Arthur, who remained the prime and the only suspect, through the course of the film. Even though we don’t see much of him in the film, his one liners, and subtle hints where he seemingly confesses to all the murders still is one the most scariest moments in Hollywood.