By Amelia Morris
Theodore (Ted) Kaczynski, an aspiring young philosopher at Harvard in the 1950s, participates in a psychological experiment leading to his eventual violent behavior as the notorious Unabomber. The manhunt for him is famous for being the longest and most expensive in U.S. history.
From 1978-1995, the Unabomber terrorized the nation. Attacks consisted of anonymously mailed packages that when opened triggered the bomb inside. The Unabomber targeted tech giants, airlines and universities.
The film “Unabomber” weaves together Theodore’s first years at Harvard in the late 1950’s and the ongoing investigation in the early 90’s. Bouncing between the two timelines allows the audience to gain a better understanding of Theodore.
The experiments Theodore underwent were inhumane and designed to dismantle his mind. As a young man in the experiments, Theodore wanted nothing more than for his ideas to be heard. The experiment spoke to that deep longing.
While Theodore was focused on winning his debates in the experiments by any means necessary, the scientists were aiming to break him from his very core. They broke something alright. Theordore was never the same after the conclusion of the study.
As a result, Theodore took his ideas against technology and industrial development from debate to violent outburst. This young genius desired a revolution, believing the world was better off before the introduction of modern technology. With his bombs, he was ready to start one himself.
The film gave the audience insight into the inner workings of Theodore’s mind. From a young age, Theodore was extremely bright but his downfall can be pinpointed to the experiment. Theodore’s situation was a perfect storm turned deadly.
“Unabomber” manages to educate, entertain and inform the audience with excellent balance.
Rather than focusing on each individual bombing, the story chose to follow Theodore himself and the investigators working to find him.
The movie however, did not try to make the audience feel bad for Theodore when he was finally caught. The audience peers into his origins and uncovers the truth behind Theodore’s hostility. Still, the audience celebrates when the investigators track him down. A long awaited victory.
“Unabomber” is not particularly groundbreaking. The film was a historical fiction tale based on your run-of-the-mill true story. It was well done but nothing special—- mediocre at worst.
While the formula for the movie was nothing new, the movie was overall compelling. The story of the Unabomber is interesting and the film adaptation brought that to life. Beyond that, the film simply relayed facts.
Despite the subpar storytelling, there were stellar performances from actors and actresses across the board. Jacob Tremlay as Theodore utterly steals the show, which is difficult to do next to Russell Crowe (Dr Henry Murray). Tremlay’s portrayal of the character allows the audience to see the flip in Theodore.
Overall, the film was enjoyable but nothing to phone home about. The intention of the film is to inform and entertain but not break the box office. Some movies are perfect for a streaming release, “Unabomber” is surely one of them.
“Unabomber” is currently streaming on Netflix.
Amelia Morris is a sophomore journalism major and writer for Cedars A&E. She loves her dogs, music, reading and exploring nature.
Photos courtesy of 2.0 Entertainment and MRC Film.
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