Rodney Alcala’s Victims Stories Told for a Modern Audience
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Woman of the Hour, a film based on a real man and real women, explores the objectification of women on screen and behind the scenes of Hollywood as well as the life of real serial killer and rapist Rodney Alcala. He became a contestant on “The Dating Game” in the 70’s, and suddenly the story of his past and current crimes -- or the specific stories of Sheryl Bradshaw and a runaway named Amy -- reveal themselves. This is where the film picks up Alcala's villainous story, in this debut film by Anna Kendrick, the film's lead and director. This film brings to light the stories of women who deserve to have their voices heard. It also breaks through the facade of “normal” and “charming” men in the past as well as how their behavior was normalized, which should never have been or should be.
Woman of the Hour jumps back and forth through time for the viewer to imagine Rodney's female victims' lives before he made them victims. It depicts just how dangerous he was as a person and also shows the possibility of a stranger and their danger. However, the main focus is on two women, Sheryl, an aspiring actress that shares the spotlight with him on a game show, and Amy, a teenage runaway who met him on the street for a faux photography session that he convinced her into with flattery and comfort, perfect for a nervous teenager.
Sheryl Bradshaw had dreams of becoming a successful actress, but the only reason she secured herself a spot on “The Dating Game” was because she had been having trouble booking respectable gigs; instead, all her gigs, including this one, were looking only for her body and face. “The Dating Game” was a role where she was told to show off her looks and play dumb for the men she would have the chance of getting to meet. She was supposed to be getting to know them but the host thought they would feel easily intimidated by an intelligent woman. He did not wish for her to show how women actually think and what characteristics they look for in partners. But once the show goes on air, she soon ignores the directions given to her and begins to speak and ask own questions, standing up for herself. She felt confident enough to do this because of the women who helped her backstage, doing her makeup. So even as the host stood on the side, angry, the women she was able to meet felt seen. This was a beautiful representation of how women will always and should always stand up for each other. Because Sheryl’s career wasn’t working out for the best, you can feel how alone she feels. But there is always hope, and these women represent how even though you may feel on your own and like a failure, people will always support you. Though this was only a minor section of the movie, it really stands out as the representation women need to see and hear.
The questions Sheryl asked were responsible questions about intellect and how they would treat and respect her. Out of the three men she spoke to, only one seemed to know how to take care of her, respect her, whereas the other two would say sexist, suggestive pick-up lines or simply not know what to say at all to her questions. The “respectable” one was the infamous killer, Rodney Alcala, who was a master of manipulation.
Just as viewers can predict, Rodney Alcala was the man Sheryl picked from the three, but little did she know that she was his next planned victim. He charmed his way into a date once the show ended and during their time they spent together Sheryl began to pick up on his dangerous tendencies. His mysterious and flirty personality changed to a darker threatening danger. And to not spoil anymore, let's move on to the other specific victim of Alcala, Amy.
Amy, a teenage runaway, experienced his terrifying behavior after accepting a car ride with him into the mountains. Him; a grown man that she had met that same day. He assaults her once he knocks her unconscious, but when she awakes, she keeps calm and begins to pretend that what happened was consensual. After her manipulative story, he takes her on a drive, where eventually she gets justice.
Woman of the Hour proves how women are treated by men, whether predatory or not, because in the 70s, this was normalized. This behavior can be seen as something women should ignore, and many women did and still feel like they have to, like it is forced upon them. Specifically in these two women’s stories, Sheryl and Amy both had to act sweet and more than pleasant towards Alcala just so he wouldn’t put them (or keep them) in danger.
Not only was Rodney Alcala allowed on public television with barely a background search, he was also reported by a viewer during the very moments the show was taking place. The woman was not taken seriously, and was, once again, ignored.
Woman of the Hour does an impeccable job interpreting the real story as well as what the experience was like for women during the 70’s. Manipulation and inequality play big roles in this film, urging us to confront these power dynamics in society today.