As a long-time cinema enthusiast with a soft spot for true crime narratives, I must say that Anna Kendrick’s performance and directorial debut in “Woman of the Hour” has left me both captivated and impressed. The film’s exploration of gender dynamics and societal norms during the 1970s resonates deeply, and it is a testament to Kendrick’s dedication that she took on the challenging role of not only starring in but also directing this gripping tale.
Actress Anna Kendrick found it uncomfortable profiting from the crime thriller “Woman of the Hour,” so she chose to donate her earnings to survivors of sexual abuse. Kendrick both stars in and directs this chilling true story about serial killer Rodney Alcala, based on his terrifying history. In 1978, Alcala appeared on an episode of “The Dating Game,” where he won a date with Cheryl Bradshaw without her ever meeting him. Although Bradshaw selected Alcala as her potential suitor, she trusting her instincts prevented her from going on the date. At that time, Alcala had already committed multiple murders and was registered as a sex offender.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I recently shared my reasons for giving away my earnings from a particular film during a chat on the Crime Junkie AF podcast.
It wasn’t until the week before the Toronto International Film Festival that I realized, “Ah, the film is going to earn money.” My initial response was, “Keep me updated when the movie is released,” but then it turned into, “Oh no, I’m accountable for this!” The process of making the movie was a whirlwind as we barely managed to meet the deadline for TIFF submission. Then, I found myself thinking, “Money will be changing hands soon,” and I even questioned myself, “Am I uncomfortable with this?” And yes, I felt a bit uneasy about it.
Kendrick clarified that she planned to give the money she earned from the movie to two charitable organizations: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime. These non-governmental entities focus on providing aid to individuals who have been victims of crime.
Woman of the Hour Earns Anna Kendrick High Praise
The film titled “Woman of the Hour” was first screened at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. After receiving multiple distribution offers, Netflix secured its U.S. rights for the movie. It premiered on Netflix on October 18 and swiftly climbed to the top of Netflix’s streaming rankings. Notably, “Woman of the Hour” was Kendrick’s first attempt at feature film directing. Initially, she was cast to play Sheryl Bradshaw, a character inspired by the real-life Cheryl Bradshaw. In a recent interview with Netflix’s Tudum, Kendrick discussed her reasoning for pursuing the director role for this film.
After proposing myself to direct the film, it became clear that I have a deep affection for the character, yet my love for the movie as a whole outweighs this. It seems that I took a special interest in the script and parts of it not involving my character, which is unusual for me.
Kendrick’s directorial debut has garnered widespread praise, with the movie currently boasting an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is lauded for its examination of the struggles women faced in the 70s and continue to confront today. Kendrick shares the screen with Daniel Zovatto, who gives a haunting performance as Rodney Alcala, while Tony Hale and Nicolette Robinson also star. Ian McDonald penned the script.
Alcala, who has been found guilty of seven murders and given the death sentence, is suspected by authorities and investigators of having killed as many as 130 people. During an appearance on the show The Dating Game, Alcala was presented as a successful photographer with hobbies like skydiving and motorcycle riding. He eventually received the death penalty for his actions, passing away from natural causes on July 24, 2021, while incarcerated.
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2024-10-31 16:31