Tony Hale: From Veep's Gary to Woman of the Hour's Creepy game show Host!
Tony Hale's Transformation: A Deep Dive into Woman of the Hour
Tony Hale is everywhere, that's why people love him so much! You know him from his iconic role as the wonderfully hapless Gary Walsh in HBO's hit series, Veep. But in Netflix's new movie Woman of the Hour, he plays a totally different character. It's dark and edgy; a far cry from his usual roles. We're talking about Ed Burke, a fictionalized version of Jim Lange; the famous Dating Game host; a game show host connected to the infamous Dating Game Killer. It is important to be clear from the outset, because Woman of the Hour deals with extremely sensitive themes which includes discussion on rape and murder; the entire context behind this story necessitates mentioning some difficult facts in a somewhat blunt manner.
Woman of the Hour is no ordinary true crime story; unlike other crime dramas and true-crime thrillers which explore the crimes only through retrospective analysis – it presents an unbelievably real life event; which places the main character and some supporting characters very much directly connected with an individual – who’s actually the notorious Dating Game Killer (Rodney Alcala). Alcala was surprisingly not just a contestant, he actually won a date with Cheryl Bradshaw, who gets played here by Anna Kendrick (who also directed and produced this crazy film!). The trailer highlights some extremely sensitive aspects regarding the story. This makes the tone in the story unusual. It’s this chilling blend of comedy (a struggling actress in 1970s LA trying to hit it big) and pure dread (a serial killer/rapist, played chillingly by David Zovetto). It is extremely important to understand the significance of how the real story impacts this new film and that specific portrayal of these events as they occurred. The film creates intrigue.
Tony Hale on Ed Burke, Anna Kendrick, and Veep's Enduring Relevance
We got to talk to Tony Hale and asked about those significant aspects involved, most prominently concerning how the actor developed Ed Burke; the methods used and influences which ultimately made this character incredibly well-received.
Tony Hale discusses several influences: Research around Jim Lange's (Ed Burke's real-life counterpart) speaking style and mannerisms, capturing those essential qualities – this included “almost this kind of detachment” while mentioning that “obviously, very objectifying to the guests.” He also remarks on Kendrick’s direction – a great insight provided by Hale; which makes that entire process a positive experience: “As an actor, you always want to know someone's captaining the ship… and I always had the comfort that she's got it.” It’s also mentioned in that conversation that he chose to add that incredibly well-made 70s style toupee, a tiny, subtle addition which adds far more details which makes that character’s entire look and presence within this storyline really impressive. He goes even deeper – describing the experience in this new film as something new and different; ”a part that I don’t typically do, but it was just such an honor to do, honestly.”
In that conversation, Hale reflects on how Veep continues to be relevant in this era (2024 elections), a sentiment echoed by many viewers familiar with how similar that show and today’s politics really are; Hale reflects on his experiences within the series and on how little it was appreciated earlier, but its lasting significance shows its own impact that people realize even today. It does present a "real picture of what's going on behind the scenes," emphasizing the core point for the viewers; these people might hold very, very important power over us all. The deep connections between what Veep showed; a critical insight that few outside of political offices would ever expect or have seen without that level of direct contact or direct inside involvement with higher offices; it ultimately became critically acclaimed and is what many now look at.
Woman of the Hour: A Chilling Tale Based on Horrifying Events
Woman of the Hour isn't for the faint of heart. This thriller weaves together an aspiring actress’s quest in 1970s LA to reach stardom and that brutal reality of Rodney Alcala's killings, creating a very memorable twist and using that unexpected plot direction of placing an everyday individual so close to a brutal murderer. That storyline takes a dark twist that isn't a standard thriller which viewers will appreciate. Kendrick manages this tone with some great insight! The entire production brings it all together!
Conclusion: Tony Hale Shines in a Dark and Compelling Role
Tony Hale’s role as Ed Burke is fascinating and unpredictable; adding another extremely compelling chapter to this remarkably diverse career! This departure from Gary demonstrates those range of acting skills this enormously talented actor is capable of! Woman of the Hour, thanks to Kendrick’s directorial skills, creates this unbelievable blend of comedy and genuine dread, a combination that both honors this chillingly realistic true story and leaves viewers absolutely mesmerized by the incredible emotional complexity; as those dark themes involving sensitive subject matter is handled carefully and with immense thoughtfulness!
