Anna Kendrick, who has played important roles in popular films such as “Perfect Pitch” and “A Simple Favor,” has recently made her directorial debut. In her new film “Woman Of The Hour,” she not only stars as the lead but also directs for the first time and serves as an executive producer, showcasing her outstanding performance and receiving widespread acclaim.
In a highly publicized interview, Anna Kendrick admitted that she was so uncomfortable with her character as a “murderer” in the film that she donated all her earnings to various charitable organizations.
A movie based on real events
The plot of “Woman Of The Hour” is derived from a true case from the 1970s. In this case, the serial killer Rodney Alcala not only took the lives of multiple women by violent means but also openly challenged the law by participating in the television dating show “The Dating Game,” where he successfully matched with the female contestant Cheryl Bradshaw.
However, after the show ended, Cheryl Bradshaw felt uneasy about the self-proclaimed prince and chose to decline to date him, which saved her life. This chilling story is once again presented in cinematic form, and Anna Kendrick not only recreates Cheryl Bradshaw’s experience but also makes her initial attempt at directing a feature film, showcasing her commendable directing abilities.
Choose kindness instead of profiting from violence.
Anna Kendrick revealed in an interview that she will donate her entire earnings from the film, stating that she does not want to profit from the story of a serial killer.
Her act of charity will support RAINN and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime, two organizations dedicated to supporting victims of sexual violence. She stated that from the beginning, she did not see this film as a means to profit, but rather hoped to present the true essence of the story.
Brave challenges new roles and showcases directing talent
Anna Kendrick initially was just the female lead in the film, but due to a strong resonance with the story, she proactively applied for the director position in hopes of telling the story from a female perspective.
Although it is her first time directing a film, Anna Kendrick’s outstanding performance has won acclaim. Screenwriter Ian McDonald even praised her for bringing a profound and novel perspective to the film, adding more depth to it.
No salary and no complaints, upholding a charitable belief.
“Woman Of The Hour” not only showcases Anna Kendrick’s directorial talents but also reflects her enthusiasm for charity work. In her autobiography, she mentions that the earnings she made from the Twilight series not only solved her living expenses but also allowed her to participate in unpaid independent films, proving that her love for drama exceeds the value of money.
In 2020, she and several cast members from “Perfect Pitch” raised funds for UNICEF through an online performance, to help children affected by the Beirut explosion and the Covid pandemic. In addition to Kendrick, participants included Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, and others.
In addition, at the premiere of the movie “A Simple Favor,” Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively collaborated with the Child Rescue Coalition for a fundraising event where audience members could donate for a chance to take a photo with the two actresses. The organization is dedicated to supporting children who have suffered from sexual abuse, providing legal assistance to trace and punish the offenders.
Although Anna Kendrick is considered a humorous and straightforward person, she reveals a soft heart in private and steadfastly defends her values. This talented and compassionate actress deserves our respect and affection.