Can't comment on the Rollerball comparison, but I take your word for it.
While Rudy does have a mind of his own, the description does not sound like anything I have seen - but bear in mind, he is possessed and quite likely did this to scare you.
Seriously (well, the above was serious, but sort of more seriously) it does not sound right (but is does sound like fun). When you get the trap door in multiball and he screams, I think he does do a vigorous shake, but I am always laughing too loud at that time to have paid attention - I'll go and try a few games and report back.
