Key Insights
Why did Anna Kendrick decide to direct 'Woman of the Hour'?
Anna Kendrick was deeply affected by a traumatic personal experience that made her question her own safety and the shame she felt. This experience resonated with the themes of the script, particularly the emotional center of the story, which deals with the question of how much shame one has to absorb before being in harm's way.
What was the main challenge Anna Kendrick faced when directing 'Woman of the Hour'?
The main challenge was the tight timeline; the movie started production just six weeks after she decided to direct it, and they filmed it in just 24 days. This left little room for error and required intense preparation and execution.
How did Anna Kendrick prepare for her role in 'Woman of the Hour'?
Anna drew from her own experiences, including a disturbing audition incident when she was 19, which she incorporated into the film. She also enjoyed the challenge of making a period piece, playing up the 1970s aesthetic while ensuring the story's emotional truth.
What impact did the Rodney Alcala case have on Anna Kendrick's perspective on true crime?
The Rodney Alcala case, which the movie is based on, made Anna more aware of the systemic failures and negligence that allowed a serial killer to operate for over a decade. This deepened her understanding of the emotional and psychological impact on victims and their families.
How does Anna Kendrick feel about the ethical questions surrounding true crime storytelling?
Anna acknowledges the complexity of ethical questions in true crime storytelling. She believes these stories need to be told but thinks there should be a better way to do so without exploiting victims. She chose to donate the proceeds from 'Woman of the Hour' to RAINN and the National Center for Victims of Crime.
What does Anna Kendrick think about the portrayal of women's safety in 'Woman of the Hour'?
Anna believes the film captures the uncomfortable and often unsafe positions women find themselves in daily. She aimed to highlight the secret language of women's experiences, including the constant need to assess safety and the internal conflict of whether to speak up or stay silent.
How did Anna Kendrick's personal experiences influence her approach to directing 'Woman of the Hour'?
Anna's personal experiences with trauma and abusive relationships influenced her approach by helping her understand and empathize with the characters' struggles. This personal connection allowed her to bring a deeper emotional truth to the film's portrayal of women's safety and vulnerability.
What is Anna Kendrick's view on the psychological motivations of people who commit heinous crimes?
Anna believes that many people who commit terrible crimes see themselves as victims and are driven by a need to avoid feeling bad about themselves. They externalize their shame and pain onto others, often leading to abusive or violent behavior.
How did Anna Kendrick manage to cope with the intense subject matter while filming 'Woman of the Hour'?
Anna would watch mindless content on YouTube, such as videos by the Try Guys, to decompress after filming. She found comfort in something light and silly to balance the dark and heavy themes of the movie.
What message does Anna Kendrick hope viewers take away from 'Woman of the Hour'?
Anna hopes viewers understand that safety is a constant concern for women and that there are often no clear-cut answers or solutions. The film aims to highlight the emotional and psychological toll of navigating a world where one's safety is always in question.
Chapters
- Anna Kendrick's directorial debut in 'Woman of the Hour' on Netflix.
- Personal experiences and a traumatic event sparked her interest in true crime.
- The film is inspired by the true story of Rodney Alcala.
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