Known for her wit, versatility, and screen presence – as well as that iconic 'Cup Song' – Anna Kendrick adds director to her CV with her latest film, Woman of the Hour. But despite her many accomplishments, the self-doubt persists
Before jumping in, I have a confession. Prior to this interview, my myopic mental image of 39-year-old Anna Kendrick was that of the sugary-sweet 'Cup Song' actress from Pitch Perfect and George Clooney’s co-star in Up in the Air – a role that rightfully earned her an Oscar nomination. A proper Hollywood princess.
However, my lazy assumptions about Kendrick quickly fell apart when I picked up her 2016 New York Times bestselling collection of biographical essays, Scrappy Little Nobody. It’s a refreshingly clever memoir that humorously lays bare insecurities she’s carried from a typically awkward puberty in Portland, Maine to navigating Hollywood as a young upstart talent.
Though we are both in L.A., we meet over Zoom to talk about her directorial debut Woman of the Hour, in which she also stars in a leading role. She immediately asks about the pastel-coloured art piece perched behind me –a candy-esque glass wonder from a local vintage store resembling Danish designer Helle Mardahl’s work. “I need more Danish design in my life,” Kendrick declares, admitting she hasn’t yet been to Scandinavia. Though she quickly redeems herself by naming Ingmar Bergman as her all-time favourite director.
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Anna Kendrick on the set of compelling true-crime drama 'Woman of the Hour' In which she balances the role as an actress and filmmaker. .
Woman of the Hour is inspired by the chilling true story of Cheryl Bradshaw (played by Kendrick), an aspiring Hollywood actress who unknowingly chose the prolific serial killer Rodney Alcala (portrayed by Daniel Zovatto) as her date on a popular dating show in 1978. Kendrick initially joined the film as an actress, drawn to the character’s psychological depth. But as the project developed without a named director, she grew intrigued by the opportunity to tell a dark and troubling story while also highlighting the numerous ways society often places women in vulnerable positions.
Working with screenwriter Ian McDonald, Kendrick even infused some of her own Hollywood experiences into the storyline – like when her character is arrogantly ignored by male casting directors or lewdly being asked if she’s OK with nudity. Kendrick shares, “I’ve had my fair share of bad castings, in fact the exchange about nudity happened to me verbatim when I was 19.”
Directing had previously crossed her mind, but she hadn’t yet mustered the courage to fully embrace the idea until the opportunity of this film presented itself. Had the movie’s production schedule allowed time for second guessing Kendrick admits, “I certainly would have panicked and backed out.”
Fortunately, the project’s fast timeline left no room for second thoughts, and Kendrick took on the dual role of actress and debut filmmaker. The result is a thoughtful and multi-layered examination of power dynamics, fear and survival.
Lingering insecurities
Kendrick’s journey in the entertainment industry began as a child with her first major accolade at the age of twelve, a Tony nomination for her performance in the Broadway musical High Society. Despite her success and a clear passion for acting, and like most teenagers, Kendrick also desperately longed to blend in. It’s baggage she brought with her when she moved to Los Angeles shortly after high school.
Early in her career she was so terrified stylists would notice her clothes weren’t designer brands, she would cut off the labels. She laughs thinking of the memory and admits she’s still scared of being exposed as an outsider, “ironically, my imposter syndrome is louder than ever…. I made this movie, and it wasn't a complete disaster, but what if it was a fluke and I'm a fraud?”
But how on Earth does one feel like an imposter with the validation of an impressive filmography, broad industry acclaim, and the loyalty of 25 million Instagram followers? “I think it’s because we all live inside our own messy minds, aware of every stupid decision we’ve ever made, so it’s easier to trust, even falsely, that someone else is more of an authority.”
Admitting I don’t know what I’m doing – or that I think I screwed up – connects more than any version of acting like I fit in ever could.
Anna Kendrick
Kendrick recalls how on the set of Woman of the Hour, she often contemplated how she should be “acting” as a director and leader, but soon discovered vulnerably expressing her own nerves fostered a deeper connection with the team. She pauses and reflects, “I feel like it’s a lesson that I’m going to have to learn over and over for the rest of my life. Admitting I don’t know what I’m doing – or that I think I screwed up – connects more than any version of acting like I fit in ever could.”
Asked what keeps her going despite ongoing insecurities, Kendrick says sometimes it’s as easy as what you wear and how you think. For example, she notes a well-styled outfit provides an immediate confidence boost, “there are times when I’m at home and feel kind of silly getting all dressed up for events. But then I’ll arrive somewhere, and it feels like I’ve put on Superman’s cape. It makes me feel empowered, like I can accomplish anything.”
As far as the challenge of dealing with ever-present self-doubt while taking on ambitious projects like Woman of the Hour, Kendrick explains, “as stressful as it can be, I feel alive on a film set. Everyone is doing specific jobs to create a scene or a frame, which forces you into the present. Somehow the stimulation of everything that’s going on calms my brain and lets me get out of my own way.”
Woman of the Hour premieres in Norway on November 1st, in Sweden November on 11th, and in Denmark on November 28th.