Anna Kendrick, known for her role in 'Pitch Perfect', has made headlines by donating all earnings from her directorial debut, 'Woman of the Hour,' to charity. The film, based on the chilling crimes of Rodney Alcala, highlights Kendrick's commitment to supporting victims of violence, aligning with her personal experiences and advocacy.
- Anna Kendrick mad her directorial debut
- The movie made her have problematic feelings
- THIS is how she dealt with them
Anna Kendrick's Generous Gesture: A Charitable Donation
Anna Kendrick, the celebrated actress from Pitch Perfect, has made a notable impact with her directorial debut, 'Woman of the Hour.' The film, now streaming on Netflix, explores the horrifying crimes of Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer from the 1970s. Alcala, known for his charming demeanor, was responsible for the deaths of numerous young women, with estimates suggesting he may have claimed up to 130 lives.
The narrative of 'Woman of the Hour' centers on a bizarre episode during Alcala's killing spree: his 1978 appearance on the popular TV show, The Dating Game. In a surreal twist, Alcala participated as one of three bachelors vying for the attention of a young woman named Cheryl, portrayed by Kendrick herself.
Kendrick's approach to this project was never about financial gain. In a candid discussion on the 'Crime Junkie AF' podcast, she stated, "This was never a money-making venture for me." It wasn't until Netflix acquired the film shortly before its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival that Kendrick realized the potential for profit.
"Eventually, Netflix bought the movie. But it wasn’t until, like, the week before TIFF [Toronto International Film Festival] that I thought, ‘Oh, this movie’s gonna make money." Anna admitted this was when her conscience began to kick in. "I asked myself the question of, ‘Do you feel gross about this?’ And I did," she said.
"So, I’m not making money off of the movie. The money is going to — or has gone to — RAINN and to the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime," Kendrick continued, referencing two of the largest sexual assault nonprofit organisations in America.
"That felt like the least that I could do."
Public Praise and Personal Reflections
Kendrick's philanthropic gesture has garnered widespread praise on social media platforms like X/Twitter. One user remarked, "THIS is the kind of behaviour we need from celebrities who choose to deal with delicate/traumatic storylines." Another echoed the sentiment, suggesting that Kendrick is "setting the blueprint" for future true crime adaptations.
In 2022, Kendrick opened up about her personal experiences with emotional and psychological abuse during a six-year relationship. This candid revelation adds depth to her recent film roles, including 'Alice, Darling,' which also tackles themes of abuse.
Promoting these films has been challenging for Kendrick, as it often intertwines with her personal narrative. In an interview with The Independent, she shared her initial expectation that interviews would focus on the cast and crew, only to find herself discussing more personal topics.
Kendrick's advocacy extends beyond her films. She has spoken about the insidious nature of abuse, emphasizing the psychological torment of being dismissed or disbelieved.
"Sometimes the most torturous thing isn’t just the disrespect or mistreatment, but the fact that everyone’s acting like it’s not happening," she explained. Her words resonate with many who have faced similar struggles, highlighting the importance of awareness and support.
"It makes you question whether you’re making all of it up, or if you’re being paranoid or too sensitive,” she continued. You sound crazy. You’re dismissed. ‘He brushed your hair off your shoulder – that’s nothing.’ And yet when you’re there, you can feel the threat that’s hanging in the room."
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For those in need, the national domestic abuse helpline offers support at 0808 2000 247, and the Refuge website provides additional resources. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Further international helplines can be accessed via www.befrienders.org.
