Scream Queens Finale

The time has now drawn near. Soon one of three actresses will be named the Scream Queen and will have that much coveted break-out role in Saw VI. Starting with ten women, we are now down to three: Michelle, Lindsay, and Tanedra. They have survived the directors’ challenges and, at times, endured close scrutiny and criticism of James, Jon, and Shawnee. And they have triumphed. But we can only have one winner, and so the time of the Gauntlet has now arrived. (I still maintain that Tanedra will take the title of Scream Queen. It’s not that I never cared for Lindsay or Michelle. It’s just that Tanedra has so much raw talent and she’s still in the running!)

All three judges conspired and judged the Chase Scene. I only call it that because for most of the challenge, the girls were running. They were chased by the homicidal maniac who had just slain their best friend. And so they ran. They ran out of the room. They knocked over a shelf to slow the killer down. The window wouldn’t budge. As much as they tried, it would not open. There was one door that gave, so they ran in, away from the killer. The girls hit the killer and kicked him off the building. Well, it sounds great. It’s just that, each girl had to have at least 2 takes. They did get a run-through to help familiarize themselves with their lines, their actions, and their marks. It was the first time they really had to deal with any on-set issues.

They all struggled with the emotions they should display. Tanedra, being new to the world of movies and moviemaking, missed her cue a few times. After most of the kinks were worked out, there were still the usual issues. Michelle was inconsistent. She acted like she was hyper for most of her scene. She used the same old tones in past performances. Tanedra was still wet behind the ears. Her timing was off. James had to speak with her a few times.  Even Lindsay had a time where her nerves took over for a second. In the end, they all did okay. I believe that Tanedra absolutely nailed it, without a doubt!

Immediately following the Chase Scene, one girl was eliminated. Right there and then, they got rid of poor Lindsay. While she was disappointed, it was obvious (and she said as much) that she learned a lot from the whole experience. Her acting improved and I think she discovered that she had more talent than she thought. And so it was down to Michelle and Tanedra. You could taste the animosity between the two girls. I for one, can’t forget some of the harsh words that were uttered between them.

There was no time to rest though. The next morning, the ladies were escorted in a limo to Lionsgate Studios. They learned that there was one final scene, one that would be judged and would ultimately decide the winner of the competition. The very scene where the married doctor talks to and pleads with Jigsaw in Saw III, was the scene they were to study and learn and act out. They were introduced to Marc Burg, one of the producers of Saw. They also met Jason Constantine, President of Co-Productions of Lionsgate!!

I know that you are all anxiously wanting to know what happened next! They had one last session with Jon. He privately coached Michelle and Tanedra. Don’t try…do! The part isn’t yours yet, he says. Prove that you deserve the role! As always, he gave great advice. Let’s see if the girls actually took it!

Judgment Day has come. Michelle and Tanedra have to show the 4 judges (Marc Burg included this time) they can be scared, strong, and still believable. Tanedra performed well. While James did have to give small directions here and there, each time she took his directions and it showed. She was able to personalize the scene. She definitely brought the much needed emotion to the scene. Michelle was well, Michelle. She showed some talent. She used the same weepy crying eyes she always does. She didn’t blow me away, the way Tanedra did. Tanedra showed a much wider range of emotion: fear, strength, passion. That’s Tanedra for you!

Marc was present for the final elimination, after the judges reviewed the girls’ final performances. It was only fitting that he was there and I felt nervous for the last leading ladies as they awaited the judges’ decision. Michelle was praised for improving and finally showing vulnerability. She still received criticism for her inconsistency though.
Tanedra was praised for finally feeling comfortable with the cameras. She was able to separate herself from criticism and deliver a great scene. Shawnee said that her focus was incredible. Her only limitation was her lack of experience. But, in the end…
TANEDRA won!!!!!

Marc felt that Tanedra (that’s right, our girl Tanedra) was better suited for the role. And I have to say, that he was completely right. She is talented and has so much potential. She has no experience and yet, she beat out 9 other actresses for this honor. That says A lot!!

Good Luck Tanedra. We at Girls of Horror look forward to your performance in the upcoming Saw VI!!!