As a seasoned writer who has delved deep into the murky depths of human psyche to uncover the darkest recesses of our society, I find myself captivated by this alternative Cheryl’s perspective on the game show scene. Her keen insight into the evolution of societal norms and humor over the decades is nothing short of impressive.
Woman of the Hour found a savior in Anna Kendrick, just when it needed one the most.
The gripping true-crime drama, directed by and starring Kendrick for his first time in features, is now available on Netflix. The plot revolves around the life story of Rodney Alcala, portrayed by Daniel Zovatto, infamously known as the “Dating Game Killer.” In this movie, you’ll see his appearance on a 1978 episode of The Dating Game with Cheryl Bradshaw, who in this film is named Sheryl and played by Kendrick.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, screenwriter Ian McDonald shares the reasons behind modifying dialogues from a game show, his unsuccessful attempts to engage with the movie’s theme, and his aspiration for the streaming film to be perceived as “art” rather than just entertainment.
How did you know that this story would work for a film?
Everything kicked off after coming across a peculiar true-crime tale from an online list while browsing through it.
Are you a true crime fan?
To be honest, my fascination with serial-killer narratives often leans towards the fictional side. However, Rodney Alcala piqued my curiosity not so much because of him personally, but due to the intriguing circumstances that swirled around him. As I delved deeper, it seemed as if everyone who knew or learned about his crimes would nod in agreement, “Yes, that fits.
So, your screenplay made it onto the Black List in 2017. I’m curious to know, how did it eventually become Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut?
The development of this project has been an arduous journey spanning almost eight years. I sketched out the initial plan back in 2016. It nearly collapsed around four times, each time while it was with a different production company, only to fall apart eventually. Then, a podcast about Rodney Alcala surfaced, and coincidentally, the podcast’s production company had an exclusive deal with a TV network. I felt as though my project had met its end at precisely the same moment that this podcast was released. It was devastating. However, when Anna joined to direct, things were progressing at a snail’s pace, but then suddenly picked up speed, leading us to be ready for shooting in just six weeks, with a financier and budget secured. In essence, Anna rescued the movie from stagnation.
What was she like to work with?
The movie viewing experience couldn’t have been more perfect. She shared my perspective on the film, offering insightful remarks. Crucially, her suggestions enhanced the script rather than diminishing it, reflecting a deeper understanding of my vision. With a new perspective, she spotted aspects I had grown oblivious to after years of work. Truly, she proved to be an exceptional collaborator.
Had you hoped to connect with the real-life Cheryl?
I made an effort to reach out to Cheryl, but I couldn’t locate her initially, which I interpreted as a deliberate choice on her part. Previously, there have been episodes of Dateline featuring Rodney Alcala, and some of his victims have appeared in those episodes. However, Cheryl has never been seen in anything like that. This led me to believe that she didn’t want this brief encounter with a psychopath to significantly impact her life. That’s one reason why I altered the name and several crucial aspects of her biography and backstory. Essentially, this depiction of Cheryl is an alternate version of her. If the real Cheryl had participated in this game show, this is how it could possibly have unfolded.
Is Daniel’s performance what you envisioned for Rodney?
Back then, Rodney was impeccable. However, if you were to rewatch his performance on the 1978 ‘Dating Game’, some of his lines wouldn’t work in today’s context. They might come off as signs of a serial killer rather than harmless humor. Social norms and acceptable jokes have evolved significantly over the past few decades, and what was once considered funny could now be seen as offensive or inappropriate. If you were to use his lines word-for-word today, viewers might think poorly of the female contestant, Cheryl. What Daniel did masterfully was ensuring that modern audiences could empathize with the feelings of the women, and he does an exceptional job at it.
Why would Rodney do something so public amid this crime spree?
As a gamer, I’d say he acted just like many characters in games who believe they won’t get busted. I reckon the thrill and excitement might’ve lured him in, perhaps with a touch of bravado thrown in for good measure.
Are there key takeaways from the film that relate to contemporary society?
Rodney’s behavior feels very male to me, but he only represents one end of the spectrum of toxic male behavior. The other end of the spectrum is the boyfriend who’s like, “Don’t you think they would’ve vetted him?” The game show host is somewhere in the middle. So, really investigating all of that, and the way that looking the other way when there’s a problem in front of you aids and abets all of this. A lot of people will be able to look at the spectrum and go, “I can see myself in some part of this, and we have a collective responsibility to do better.”
As a game storyteller, I’m always brainstorming new ideas and seeking out exciting opportunities. Regarding the type of projects I might be working on, it’s hard to say exactly, but I’ve found that I thrive when I can immerse myself in rich, engaging narratives, whether they’re in the realm of fantasy, adventure, or something entirely unique. If a project captures my imagination and resonates with me, I’m open to it! So, stay tuned as I continue on this creative journey!
Currently, I’m juggling five to six projects, and I’m thrilled about each one of them. What particularly excites me is that they are all diverse, and I’m making a conscious effort to avoid becoming a one-trick pony, as I believe it would lead to a rather gloomy existence, often referred to as “the serial killer guy.” The grueling process of researching for this work spanned over years, as it involved delving into distressing and harrowing subjects on a daily basis. However, it was necessary to portray the story authentically. I’m proud of the movie, and I might consider working on something similar in the future. But, I want to ensure that I maintain a balanced portfolio and don’t limit myself to just this genre.
What are your hopes for the film?
I know true crime is very zeitgeist-y at the moment. I hope it outlasts the zeitgeist. I hope it becomes a movie that we’re talking about in 10, 20 years. And my hope is that it’s received as art, not content, and that’s fully out of my hands. Both Anna and myself were very serious about the story we were telling and put a lot of thought and effort into it. I just hope it’s received that way because that was always my biggest fear, that it’s just like, “Oh, it’s another serial-killer, true crime movie of the week.”
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2024-10-22 20:25