Daniel Zovatto
stars in
NETFLIX
film
WOMAN OF THE HOUR
Photography | Christian Anwander
Fashion Editor | Deborah Ferguson
Interview by Stella Hofferman
Daniel Zovatto is a Scream King through and through, absolutely dominating the horror genre for over 10 years. The Costa Rican actor has starred in projects such as It Follows, Don’t Breathe, The Pope’s Exorcist, and most recently portrays real-life serial killer Rodney Alcala in Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut Woman of the Hour, which premiered on October 18th. The Netflix Original Film retells one of true crime’s most infamous stories, the murders by a man aptly dubbed the Dating Game Killer, who appeared on a dating television show following a killing spree in search of his newest victim. In this interview, Zovatto reflects on his history with horror, discusses his portrayal of the Dating Game Killer, and talks about what’s in store.
Sweater: Isabel Marant, Jeans: Ksubi Suit: Dolce Gabbana, Shirt :SaintLaurent, Shoes :Givenchy @AlbrightLA, Tie: Calvin Klein
Suit: Dolce Gabbana , Shirt Saint Laurent , @AlbrightLA, Tie: Calvin Klein, Shirt & Pants : COS
You’ve been acting in horror and thriller films for over a decade now. How was your experience filming Woman of the Hour different from your previous projects, if at all?
The horror of this movie is a lot scarier than anything paranormal because it’s a real life monster, so therefore the horror is tied in with our reality. Because of the schedule, a lot of the prep between Anna and Zach was very laser focused on getting what they wanted, so there were days where we would actually finish early. Was not something I was used to!
What was it like getting to work with Anna Kendrick, both as a co-star as well as a director?
It was great. She allowed me the space that you need. She’s an actress first so she understands the process. She was always there when I needed her but she also encouraged me to follow my instincts. I was really grateful for that.
Suit : Kidill , Shirt : COS , Tie : Calvin Klein , Shoes : Givenchy @albrigtla
How do you prepare to play a real person? Was it ever challenging to develop a character like Rodney Alcala in particular?
It was super exciting. I love the challenge of making myself look different and feel different. A lot of the challenge was preparation on who he was. That period of Rodney is ambiguous. There’s not a lot of videos or information. A lot of my character build was based on his photographs that were released that gave me insight into how he was operating.
What draws you to horror and thriller films, as either an actor or a viewer?
I think what attracts me is the experience of going on a journey with these characters. It’s one of
the best experiences for me, as a viewer, to watch in a theater–gasping and yelling together. I absolutely love watching with a loud audience. It’s the best.
Suit: Dolce Gabbana , Shirt Saint Laurent , @AlbrightLA, Tie: Calvin Klein, Shirt & Pants : COS
Were you familiar with the story of the Dating Game Killer prior to getting the role in Woman of the Hour? Did your perspective on the tragedy change at all?
I vaguely knew about the story because I do enjoy watching a good Dateline episode, but obviously I didn’t know the ins and outs. Once I got the part, I started to look into everything and
realized the monstrosity of what he was doing. And the fact that he did more damage to victims than serial killers who are more famous–probably because he was less known. He got away with so much!
What do you hope audiences take away from this project?
Carry pepper spray–ha! That’s always been a question that I’ve struggled with because my focus has been Rodney and trying to find the humanity in him. What were his triggers? So, the question of what I want it to represent is to bring about the conversation about evil and violence, and the dynamics between men and women. And we’re 50 years from there and we still struggle with that dynamic. The conversation Anna is opening is so much bigger than just focusing on the killer.
T-Shirt: Ksubi, Pants & Belt : COS, Shoes : Givenchy @albrightLA
Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share with us?
I’m getting ready to go film a horror-thriller in Hawaii called Headhunters with Kevin Costner. How cool is that? Kevin is acting, producing and co-writing it, so it’s a real passion project–which is always exciting to be a part of. Plus, I get to take my family to Hawaii for a few months!
Photography
Christian Anwander
Creative Director & Fashion Editor
Deborah Ferguson
Interview
Stella Hofferman
Grooming
Ryan Taniguchi
Fashion Assistant
Lola Elmo
Web layout
Thank you
Vision PR & Netflix PR Team