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Reviving the past with eerie precision: Inside ‘Woman of the Hour’
Revisiting a chilling moment in TV history
The Netflix true crime thriller, “Woman of the Hour”, dives into the unsettling and fascinating story of Rodney Alcala, a real-life serial killer who once appeared on the cheerful 1970s game show, “The Dating Game.” Remarkably, approximately one-third of the movie takes place on this very set, challenging the production team to balance authenticity with a deeper, unsettling irony.
The meticulous art of set recreation
Anna Kendrick, who both directs and stars in the film, alongside the production designers, faced the dual challenge of accurately recreating the iconic game show set while subtly compounding the sinister backdrop of Alcala’s story. Their aim was to maintain the colorful and vibrant atmosphere of the original show, contrasting it starkly with the darkness it concealed.
Inspiration from classic game shows
Brent Thomas, production designer for “Woman of the Hour,” drew inspiration from other legendary game shows such as “The Price Is Right,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” and “The Newlywed Game.” However, rather than simply imitating, Thomas and his team focused on crafting a set that felt familiar yet carried an underlying tension. Thomas’s philosophy of “research, research, research, and then throw it all away” highlights the importance of not just recreation, but dramatization.
Creating a comprehensive set
Thomas explains that the recreation extended beyond just the visible elements of the show’s set. They built the entire “The Dating Game” studio, encompassing the backstage area, lighting, grid, and even the director’s booth. Such meticulous attention ensured that every detail was authentic, right down to the vintage TV monitors displaying the live recording.
Introducing Sheryl: Enhancing dramatic tension
A key moment in depicting the show’s atmosphere was the introduction of Sheryl, portrayed by Kendrick. Instead of a straightforward entrance, Sheryl appears inside a small capsule designed to symbolize her dangerous unwitting entry into Alcala’s realm. This chilling parallel to “Katniss in The Hunger Games” adds a layer of suspense and anxiety for the audience.
Inside the capsule, a mirror with the reminder to “check your lipstick” before spinning around to go live on camera subtly underscores the idea Kendrick wanted to explore: the era’s superficial expectations of women.
The strategic use of disorienting visuals
Once Sheryl steps onto the stage, the set’s design intensifies the sense of unease. Disorienting moving lights and partially transparent glass panels create a unique visual effect that leaves Sheryl and the audience in suspense. These panels allow Sheryl to vaguely discern the shapes of the men she’s interacting with, amplifying the tension and uncertainty.
Thomas emphasizes that this design choice was central to the movie’s theme. It aimed to place the viewer in Sheryl’s shoes, questioning the safety and intentions of the unseen figures, enhancing the suspense by highlighting Alcala’s presence among the bachelors.
Bridging past and present narratives
“Woman of the Hour,” written by Ian McDonald, isn’t just confined to the set of “The Dating Game.” The film deftly navigates through different timelines, juxtaposing moments from Alcala’s gruesome past with the bright, flashy game show setting. This structure anchors the narrative, providing a multidimensional exploration of Alcala’s dual life.
Crafting suspense through set design
Beyond just capturing the essence of “The Dating Game,” the production design is integral in conveying the film’s deeper themes. The use of props, lighting, and stage design all plays a crucial role in building the narrative tension. The inclusion of vintage items and the authentic recreation of studio equipment immerse the audience in the period, while strategic design choices heighten suspense.
Bringing historical context to light
Revisiting the historical context of Alcala’s stint on “The Dating Game” not only provides a compelling backdrop but also reflects on the darker side of the entertainment industry. This film prompts viewers to contemplate how seemingly innocuous TV appearances can cloak deeper, more sinister realities.
In “Woman of the Hour,” the past and present converge, inviting reflection on both societal progress and persistent dangers lurking beneath the surface of our shared cultural moments.
With its blending of true crime with historical recreation, “Woman of the Hour” stands as a testament to meticulous production design and the power of narrative to illuminate hidden truths.
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