heatherthered

This has to be the best TV Movie ever created. Directed by the same guy who directed Xanadu....[??? How's that possible? He also directed WALMART: the High Cost of Low Prices, too] His direction of The Burning Bed is superb, to say the least.

You really feel as though her fear and terror are your own through claustrophobic cinematography in the scenes where she's being attacked. The dignity the cast and director were able to conjure for this sad story is far better than television deserves. The violence she imparts upon her husband gives her no satisfaction for she is not a malicious or vengeful woman.

I believe this movie has inspired countless women to leave abusive relationships since the first day it aired and more so as time has passed. Through it's ability to reach such a wide audience and it's star power, the attention it drew to the issue of battered women could be considered nothing less than a milestone.

The memories of Ted Bundy's murders still haunt my city. Every single person old enough to read in the 70's was (and some to a degree still are) terrified of this mysterious stranger who would abduct and ultimately murder these beautiful young women. That said - this is a really good film on all levels. Acting, writing, direction are all top notch. The opening scene of "Hi, I'm Ted. Pleased to meet you" is particularly disturbing. This man was by all appearances a handsome young law student considering a political career when really he was a slobbering ogre. If you felt the TV movie with Mark Harmon was lacking that certain something, watch this. It is by no means sympathetic to that creature. In fact, it reveals a manipulative and pathetic crybaby loser. While there is definitely sadistic murderous behavior depicted, it never reaches a level inappropriate for the tale.