Todd Haynes’ impeccable character drama May December is getting a DVD and Blu-ray release in the UK. More details below.
In a just world, May December would have been a bigger awards contender. Todd Haynes’ stylish, addictive drama was as funny as it was disturbing. The Oscars did nominate Samy Burch’s rather brilliant script, but ultimately, the film went home empty-handed.
Starring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Melton, May December was loosely based on the true story of Mary Kay Letournau, an American teacher who at 34 years old sexually abused her 12-year-old student, Vili Fualaau, ultimately having two kids with him and marrying him.
May December is getting a DVD and Blu-ray release in the UK and will be released on the 20th May. You can pre-order it right here.
In the film, Moore plays the almost childlike Gracie who is married to Joe (Charles Melton),13 years her junior.
In a just world, May December would have been a bigger awards contender. Todd Haynes’ stylish, addictive drama was as funny as it was disturbing. The Oscars did nominate Samy Burch’s rather brilliant script, but ultimately, the film went home empty-handed.
Starring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Melton, May December was loosely based on the true story of Mary Kay Letournau, an American teacher who at 34 years old sexually abused her 12-year-old student, Vili Fualaau, ultimately having two kids with him and marrying him.
May December is getting a DVD and Blu-ray release in the UK and will be released on the 20th May. You can pre-order it right here.
In the film, Moore plays the almost childlike Gracie who is married to Joe (Charles Melton),13 years her junior.
- 4/22/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
It’s the most exciting time of Charles Melton’s career — and he’s spent much of it asleep.
“There’s a lot of gratitude. I also never knew I was capable of taking so many naps in one day,” Melton says. “I’m just sleeping.”
Oh, don’t get him wrong: The past few weeks have seen a whirlwind of promotional work and accolades for the May December actor. The 32-year-old made kimchi for a New York Times profile, did spots on morning shows, humorously fumbled his Gotham Awards trophy,...
“There’s a lot of gratitude. I also never knew I was capable of taking so many naps in one day,” Melton says. “I’m just sleeping.”
Oh, don’t get him wrong: The past few weeks have seen a whirlwind of promotional work and accolades for the May December actor. The 32-year-old made kimchi for a New York Times profile, did spots on morning shows, humorously fumbled his Gotham Awards trophy,...
- 12/6/2023
- by CT Jones
- Rollingstone.com
Charles Melton is opening up about wearing a prosthetic for a scene in his new movie May December.
The 32-year-old actor stars as Joe Yoo in the Netflix film, and one of the final scenes they filmed was a sexual encounter with Natalie Portman‘s Elizabeth Berry, which required him to wear a prosthetic.
Find out what he said inside…
“It was very professional,” Charles told Variety about filming the scene. “The whole thing. Natalie, Todd [Haynes, director], and I met to discuss the scene, walking through it and ensuring everybody was comfortable. There were a few conversations about the prosthetic, regarding what was realistic and what wasn’t.”
He also revealed, “I had to wear that prosthetic for nine hours that day. I didn’t have anything to drink that morning or the night before. That was an annoying process but still very respectful.”
If you missed it, Charles recently revealed...
The 32-year-old actor stars as Joe Yoo in the Netflix film, and one of the final scenes they filmed was a sexual encounter with Natalie Portman‘s Elizabeth Berry, which required him to wear a prosthetic.
Find out what he said inside…
“It was very professional,” Charles told Variety about filming the scene. “The whole thing. Natalie, Todd [Haynes, director], and I met to discuss the scene, walking through it and ensuring everybody was comfortable. There were a few conversations about the prosthetic, regarding what was realistic and what wasn’t.”
He also revealed, “I had to wear that prosthetic for nine hours that day. I didn’t have anything to drink that morning or the night before. That was an annoying process but still very respectful.”
If you missed it, Charles recently revealed...
- 12/6/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Spoiler Alert: This story contains spoilers for Netflix’s “May December”
In Netflix’s “May December,” one of the most memorable scenes features Joe Yoo (played by Charles Melton) arriving at the hotel to deliver a letter from his wife Gracie (Julianne Moore) to actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman). Their encounter leads to a brief yet intense sexual liaison on the floor, culminating in a conspicuous silhouette shot of Joe’s penis.
Amid Samy Burch’s narrative brilliance and Todd Haynes’ tantalizing direction, one might imagine Melton — known for his role in The CW’s “Riverdale” — felt immense pressure acting opposite Oscar winner Portman, who also produced the film. This pivotal scene was among the final ones shot in Savannah, Ga.
“It was very professional,” Melton tells Variety. “The whole thing. Natalie, Todd, and I met to discuss the scene, walking through it and ensuring everybody was comfortable. There were...
In Netflix’s “May December,” one of the most memorable scenes features Joe Yoo (played by Charles Melton) arriving at the hotel to deliver a letter from his wife Gracie (Julianne Moore) to actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman). Their encounter leads to a brief yet intense sexual liaison on the floor, culminating in a conspicuous silhouette shot of Joe’s penis.
Amid Samy Burch’s narrative brilliance and Todd Haynes’ tantalizing direction, one might imagine Melton — known for his role in The CW’s “Riverdale” — felt immense pressure acting opposite Oscar winner Portman, who also produced the film. This pivotal scene was among the final ones shot in Savannah, Ga.
“It was very professional,” Melton tells Variety. “The whole thing. Natalie, Todd, and I met to discuss the scene, walking through it and ensuring everybody was comfortable. There were...
- 12/5/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
If you believe Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman didn’t win their Oscars for their best performances, well, they agree with you.
On Monday’s “Watch What Happens Live,” the “May December” stars played 1, 2, Agree or Disagree with Andy Cohen, during which the host read statements to see if their answers match. The very first one: “I consider the role for which I won my Oscar to be my best performance to date.” Both women flashed the “disagree” sign. Portman, of course, won Best Actress for “Black Swan” (2010) and Moore won the same prize for “Still Alice” (2014).
After the game, Cohen did Film Twitter a solid and asked the important follow-up: What performance do they each feel is their best? “It’s very embarrassing to say that about yourself,” Portman nervously demurred before Cohen said he didn’t think so. “Um, Ok. I felt like ‘Jackie’ was a big one for me.
On Monday’s “Watch What Happens Live,” the “May December” stars played 1, 2, Agree or Disagree with Andy Cohen, during which the host read statements to see if their answers match. The very first one: “I consider the role for which I won my Oscar to be my best performance to date.” Both women flashed the “disagree” sign. Portman, of course, won Best Actress for “Black Swan” (2010) and Moore won the same prize for “Still Alice” (2014).
After the game, Cohen did Film Twitter a solid and asked the important follow-up: What performance do they each feel is their best? “It’s very embarrassing to say that about yourself,” Portman nervously demurred before Cohen said he didn’t think so. “Um, Ok. I felt like ‘Jackie’ was a big one for me.
- 12/5/2023
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Todd Haynes is, in this writer’s opinion, one of our greatest living filmmakers. Ever since his 1987 film, Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story, a moving examination of the singer’s battle with anorexia using Barbie dolls and created while he was at Bard College, his unique voice has enraptured audiences. Safe. Velvet Goldmine. Far From Heaven. Carol. The Velvet Underground. There are too many classics to mention.
In his latest film, May December, Haynes has reunited with his muse Julianne Moore for their fifth collaboration over nearly three decades. She plays Gracie Atherton-Yoo,...
In his latest film, May December, Haynes has reunited with his muse Julianne Moore for their fifth collaboration over nearly three decades. She plays Gracie Atherton-Yoo,...
- 12/2/2023
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
The intellectual faculty of the human mind is as fascinating for its complexity as it is for its unpredictability. With sincere misguidance, provocation, or inconvenience, it can shun the revered structures of moral and ethical foundation, which we pretend to so dearly uphold as the core of society. Accordingly, in the age of post-truth, the media plays a significant role in debilitating these foundations as well, through its all-pervasive influence and ability to distort reality. Todd Haynes’ movie May December examines the media’s responsibility in this regard as the movie takes a closer look at one of the United States’ most notorious, scandalous incidents.
During the late 1990s, the infamous case of an elementary school teacher named Mary Kay Letourneau, created a nationwide furor in USA. The woman had started a physical relationship with a minor, Vili Fualaau, who was a student in her class. Thanks to the media...
During the late 1990s, the infamous case of an elementary school teacher named Mary Kay Letourneau, created a nationwide furor in USA. The woman had started a physical relationship with a minor, Vili Fualaau, who was a student in her class. Thanks to the media...
- 12/2/2023
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
May December is a psychological drama film directed by Todd Haynes, from a screenplay by Samy Burch. The Netflix film is based on a story by Burch and Alex Mechanik. It revolves around an actress Elizabeth Berry as she arrives in Savannah, Georgia to research her new role of Gracie Atherton-Yoo, who was part of a nationwide scandal in 1992. Gracie was caught having sex with 13-year-old Joe. Now, both of them lead a perfect suburban life as a married couple but after the arrival of Elizabeth, some long-dormant feelings bubble up. May December stars Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, and Charles Melton in the lead roles. So, if you loved the Netflix film here are some similar movies you could watch next.
American Beauty Credit – DreamWorks Pictures
Synopsis: Lester’s wife hates him, his daughter Jane regards him with contempt, and his boss is positioning him for the axe. …look closer...
American Beauty Credit – DreamWorks Pictures
Synopsis: Lester’s wife hates him, his daughter Jane regards him with contempt, and his boss is positioning him for the axe. …look closer...
- 12/2/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
In Todd Haynes’ Netflix drama “May December,” the subject of a decades-old tabloid sex scandal is visited by a famous actress set to portray her in a film.
Julianne Moore plays Gracie Atherton-Yoo, who was 36 years old when she was caught having sex with Joe, a 13-year-old boy who worked with her at a pet store. After having his first child from behind bars, Gracie began her life with Joe (Charles Melton), who is now the same age Gracie was when they first met. Gracie and Joe have three children together, the youngest of them about to graduate high school, and are settling into quiet suburban life when Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) arrives at their waterfront home to study her subject and rock the boat.
If the story feels ripped from the headlines, that’s because the film is loosely inspired by the Mary Kay Letourneau tabloid scandal of the late-1990s.
Julianne Moore plays Gracie Atherton-Yoo, who was 36 years old when she was caught having sex with Joe, a 13-year-old boy who worked with her at a pet store. After having his first child from behind bars, Gracie began her life with Joe (Charles Melton), who is now the same age Gracie was when they first met. Gracie and Joe have three children together, the youngest of them about to graduate high school, and are settling into quiet suburban life when Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) arrives at their waterfront home to study her subject and rock the boat.
If the story feels ripped from the headlines, that’s because the film is loosely inspired by the Mary Kay Letourneau tabloid scandal of the late-1990s.
- 12/1/2023
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
This article contains major spoilers for "May December."
As far back as the Middle Ages, springtime months were frequently depicted in literature as young women, while the later, winter months as old men. The great Geoffrey Chaucer even included a couple in "The Canterbury Tales" named Miss May and Mr. January who were depicted as a young woman and a graying old man. This was written before the Gregorian calendar was accepted which established December as the last month of the year, so updated versions often change his name to "Mr. December." And thus, the expression "May December" was born, a shorthand expression to indicate a large age gap between romantic couples. This is the source of the title of Todd Haynes' latest film, "May December," a delicious melodrama about humanity and boundaries inspired by the real-life scandal and subsequent marriage of 34-year-old Mary Kay Letourneau and her 12-year-old student,...
As far back as the Middle Ages, springtime months were frequently depicted in literature as young women, while the later, winter months as old men. The great Geoffrey Chaucer even included a couple in "The Canterbury Tales" named Miss May and Mr. January who were depicted as a young woman and a graying old man. This was written before the Gregorian calendar was accepted which established December as the last month of the year, so updated versions often change his name to "Mr. December." And thus, the expression "May December" was born, a shorthand expression to indicate a large age gap between romantic couples. This is the source of the title of Todd Haynes' latest film, "May December," a delicious melodrama about humanity and boundaries inspired by the real-life scandal and subsequent marriage of 34-year-old Mary Kay Letourneau and her 12-year-old student,...
- 12/1/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
May December, the latest from director Todd Haynes, inspired by an infamous scandal, goes to some mighty dark places. Julianne Moore is Gracie Atherton, a suburban woman who ignited a media frenzy when, at 36, she had an affair with seventh-grader Joe Yoo (Riverdale’s Charles Melton). She’s now married to Yoo and living away from the spotlight in Savannah, but her sordid past comes back to haunt her when actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) visits the pair to research her role as Gracie for a movie. “As Elizabeth observes and studies Gracie and her world, and gets to know Joe, her reliability as a narrator begins to falter,” notes Haynes of the film, based in part on the real-life 1997 case involving the late suburban Seattle teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and the sixth-grade student she had an affair with, and eventually married. (Credit: François Duhamel / Courtesy of Netflix) “[Elizabeth’s] investment in...
- 11/30/2023
- TV Insider
On December 6, the 2023 IndieWire Honors ceremony will celebrate 11 filmmakers, creators, and actors for their achievements in creative independence. We’re showcasing their work with new interviews leading up to the Los Angeles event.
From Cate Blanchett’s meet-cute hat-tip to shopgirl Rooney Mara in “Carol” and Julianne Moore’s farewell on a train platform to Dennis Haysbert at the end of “Far from Heaven” to, now, Natalie Portman’s straight-to-the-camera monologue as an actress playing an actress who is also playing another role in “May December,” Todd Haynes might not see his images as destined-to-be-iconic while on set as we do on our screens. At first.
That’s partly because, for the Oscar-nominated filmmaker upon whom IndieWire Honors will bestow the Vanguard Award on December 6 in Los Angeles, “every film has been a tremendous challenge in terms of resources and time and financing. I’ve always felt that I have...
From Cate Blanchett’s meet-cute hat-tip to shopgirl Rooney Mara in “Carol” and Julianne Moore’s farewell on a train platform to Dennis Haysbert at the end of “Far from Heaven” to, now, Natalie Portman’s straight-to-the-camera monologue as an actress playing an actress who is also playing another role in “May December,” Todd Haynes might not see his images as destined-to-be-iconic while on set as we do on our screens. At first.
That’s partly because, for the Oscar-nominated filmmaker upon whom IndieWire Honors will bestow the Vanguard Award on December 6 in Los Angeles, “every film has been a tremendous challenge in terms of resources and time and financing. I’ve always felt that I have...
- 11/29/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Contrary to what you might think based on the plethora of Christmas films and TV series that flooded the streaming landscape recently, we're only now heading into the final month of 2023 and the winter holiday bonanza that comes with them. For Netflix, in particular, December is a time when it pulls out the big guns, tempting its subscribers with an eclectic blend of prestige television, awards season contenders, and crowd-pleasers. This year, that includes the end of the royal drama with "The Crown" season 6, part 2, Bradley Cooper going for the gold (again) with his Leonard Bernstein biopic "Maestro," and whatever the hell Zack Snyder has cooked up for us with the first half of his two-part "Star Wars"-inspired cosmic epic, "Rebel Moon -- Part One: A Child of Fire."
However, in lieu of focusing on the releases that are positioned to soak up the bulk of everyone's attention, I...
However, in lieu of focusing on the releases that are positioned to soak up the bulk of everyone's attention, I...
- 11/27/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
May December, the title of Todd Haynes’s latest drama, reflects the director’s dance card for the year: having opened in Cannes, the Netflix title has been a festival favorite ever since, and will likely hang in there until voting closes after Christmas. Its two star names, Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, have been getting curious audiences through the doors, but what keeps the film playing in everyone’s minds is the moral maze of questions it poses.
Inspired by the real-life case of Mary Kay Letourneau, a Seattle teacher who went to prison for molesting a pupil and then, on release, married him, it stars Portman as Elizabeth Berry, an actress gearing up to play the part of Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), a cheerful suburban mother with a checkered past, in an upcoming biopic. But just as important as these two A-listers is newcomer Charles Melton, a young model-turned-actor who plays Joe,...
Inspired by the real-life case of Mary Kay Letourneau, a Seattle teacher who went to prison for molesting a pupil and then, on release, married him, it stars Portman as Elizabeth Berry, an actress gearing up to play the part of Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), a cheerful suburban mother with a checkered past, in an upcoming biopic. But just as important as these two A-listers is newcomer Charles Melton, a young model-turned-actor who plays Joe,...
- 11/25/2023
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Natalie Portman landed her "dream role" in 'May December'.The 42-year-old star features in Todd Haynes-directed film as actress Elizabeth Berry - who visits the notorious tabloid figure Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) as she is set to play her in a film.Gracie hit the headlines after entering a relationship with a 12-year-old boy and the pair have married in the 20 years since. However, Elizabeth's visit highlights the fractures in the pair's relationship and Natalie felt that the project was a "gift" for her to appear in.Natalie told the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast: "There are so many refractions that all mirrors the work Todd put into it."How you see the characters with Samy (Burch's) writing, where it switches as soon as you think you know something about them. You're not sure or comfortable about who you're supposed to be feeling. It was just a gift to get to do.
- 11/24/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Natalie Portman calls Todd Haynes’ new film, “May December,” a “dream role.”
“May December” stars Portman as actress Elizabeth Berry (Portman), who is set to portray Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) in a movie. Gracie is a Georgia woman who became a notorious tabloid figure when she engaged in a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old boy, Joe.
Twenty years have passed, and Gracie is trying to move on from the scandal. But to prepare for her upcoming role, Elizabeth visits Gracie and Joe (Charles Melton), who is now 36. The couple is still together, married with children, but Elizabeth’s arrival exposes the fractures beneath their carefully constructed surface.
“There are so many refractions that all mirrors the work Todd put into it,” Portman says. “How you see the characters with Samy [Burch]’s writing, where it switches as soon as you think you know something about them. You’re never sure or...
“May December” stars Portman as actress Elizabeth Berry (Portman), who is set to portray Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) in a movie. Gracie is a Georgia woman who became a notorious tabloid figure when she engaged in a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old boy, Joe.
Twenty years have passed, and Gracie is trying to move on from the scandal. But to prepare for her upcoming role, Elizabeth visits Gracie and Joe (Charles Melton), who is now 36. The couple is still together, married with children, but Elizabeth’s arrival exposes the fractures beneath their carefully constructed surface.
“There are so many refractions that all mirrors the work Todd put into it,” Portman says. “How you see the characters with Samy [Burch]’s writing, where it switches as soon as you think you know something about them. You’re never sure or...
- 11/23/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
When Julianne Moore first was approached for May December, a dark dramedy that would have her star opposite Natalie Portman under the direction of frequent collaborator Todd Haynes, she said yes immediately. But only in looking more closely at the material and her Gracie character did she come to understand the complexity of what she’d just signed on for.
“I called up Todd and said, ‘I can’t do this. This is too hard!’” the actress admitted Saturday in conversation with Joe Utichi at Deadline’s Contenders Film L.A. “I was really struggling. I’m like, ‘Who is this woman?’” The character was difficult to get a handle on, she said, given how strongly she was holding on “to her own narrative, to her own performance,” with regard to her life and who she was. “And what is that performance?” she wondered.
In examining the script by Samy Burch,...
“I called up Todd and said, ‘I can’t do this. This is too hard!’” the actress admitted Saturday in conversation with Joe Utichi at Deadline’s Contenders Film L.A. “I was really struggling. I’m like, ‘Who is this woman?’” The character was difficult to get a handle on, she said, given how strongly she was holding on “to her own narrative, to her own performance,” with regard to her life and who she was. “And what is that performance?” she wondered.
In examining the script by Samy Burch,...
- 11/19/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Without rehearsals, Natalie Portman had a special challenge ahead of her as she took on her latest role in Todd Haynes’ latest drama, “May December.”
Portman stars opposite Julianne Moore as Elizabeth Berry, an actress set to portray Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), a woman whose life became the subject of tabloid fodder when she began a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old boy, Joe. Two decades later, Elizabeth studies Gracie and Joe (now a 36-year-old man) as she preps for her role, analyzing the cracks in their façade. Overtime, Elizabeth slowly finds herself adopting more and more of Gracie’s traits.
But with the obstacle of not rehearsing together, the “Black Swan” star reveals she was “so scared” because “I didn’t know what she was going to do.”
“The good part about it was that the way my character studied her to become her, I had to do also. So I...
Portman stars opposite Julianne Moore as Elizabeth Berry, an actress set to portray Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), a woman whose life became the subject of tabloid fodder when she began a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old boy, Joe. Two decades later, Elizabeth studies Gracie and Joe (now a 36-year-old man) as she preps for her role, analyzing the cracks in their façade. Overtime, Elizabeth slowly finds herself adopting more and more of Gracie’s traits.
But with the obstacle of not rehearsing together, the “Black Swan” star reveals she was “so scared” because “I didn’t know what she was going to do.”
“The good part about it was that the way my character studied her to become her, I had to do also. So I...
- 11/18/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
As May December has made the rounds at this year’s film festivals and begun its awards season run, many comparisons have been made between the Netflix movie and the real-life story of Mary Kay Letourneau — a teacher who began a sexual relationship with 12-year-old student Vili Fualaau, going to jail in 1997 before the two were eventually married for 14 years and had several children.
Similarly, May December stars Julianne Moore as Gracie, a 30-something woman who begins a relationship with Joe (played by Charles Melton) when he is in seventh grade; 20 years later, the two are married and have three kids headed to college when actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) shows up at their home for a research visit to prepare to play Gracie in a movie.
“Certainly that’s the seed of it, the big picture thing, but it was important to me that this wasn’t the Mary Kay Letourneau story,...
Similarly, May December stars Julianne Moore as Gracie, a 30-something woman who begins a relationship with Joe (played by Charles Melton) when he is in seventh grade; 20 years later, the two are married and have three kids headed to college when actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) shows up at their home for a research visit to prepare to play Gracie in a movie.
“Certainly that’s the seed of it, the big picture thing, but it was important to me that this wasn’t the Mary Kay Letourneau story,...
- 11/17/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
L to R: Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry with Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo, in May December. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
Director Todd Haynes re-teams with Julianne Moore, star of his Douglas Sirk-style melodrama Far From Heaven, for another soapy melodrama (complete with emotionally-overwrought score) for Haynes’ new May December. The story was apparently inspired by the 1990s Mary Kay LeTourneau case, a tabloid scandal about a married, 36-year-old teacher who was convicted of raping her 12-year-old male student, a crime for which she went to jail and where she gave birth in prison. The pair had another child and eventually married when the boy reach adulthood although they divorced years later.
It is a tabloid tale that seems made for Todd Haynes. However, while the couple in the movie have a somewhat similar history, the movie’s story takes place twenty years after the infamous events, when...
Director Todd Haynes re-teams with Julianne Moore, star of his Douglas Sirk-style melodrama Far From Heaven, for another soapy melodrama (complete with emotionally-overwrought score) for Haynes’ new May December. The story was apparently inspired by the 1990s Mary Kay LeTourneau case, a tabloid scandal about a married, 36-year-old teacher who was convicted of raping her 12-year-old male student, a crime for which she went to jail and where she gave birth in prison. The pair had another child and eventually married when the boy reach adulthood although they divorced years later.
It is a tabloid tale that seems made for Todd Haynes. However, while the couple in the movie have a somewhat similar history, the movie’s story takes place twenty years after the infamous events, when...
- 11/17/2023
- by Cate Marquis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore in May December.Photo: Netflix
From its very first shot Todd Haynes’ May December announces itself as a wildly intoxicating, intentionally strident provocation. Close-up images of Monarch butterflies and their surrounding manicured flower gardens are scored by the theme from Joseph Losey’s 1971 film The Go-Between.
From its very first shot Todd Haynes’ May December announces itself as a wildly intoxicating, intentionally strident provocation. Close-up images of Monarch butterflies and their surrounding manicured flower gardens are scored by the theme from Joseph Losey’s 1971 film The Go-Between.
- 11/16/2023
- by Manuel Betancourt
- avclub.com
First reviews out of Cannes for Todd Haynes’ poisonously witty and complex new film “May December” heralded “a heartbreakingly sincere piece of high camp,” “a camp and curious pleasure,” a “camp look at an actor’s process of transformation into a character.”
But how does “camp” figure into the context of a film starring Natalie Portman as a celebrity actress studying Julianne Moore as a Southern spin on Mary Kay Letourneau, the middle school teacher who had a sexual relationship with her 12-year-old student, was convicted of rape and imprisoned, and then married and had two children with him? Portman’s character is set to play Moore’s in a new movie. Is it by virtue of seeing these two gay-iconic actresses on a set with the director of “Carol,” “Velvet Goldmine,” and “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story,” a 1988 documentary about the ill-fated singer stop-motion-animated with Barbie dolls? Is it...
But how does “camp” figure into the context of a film starring Natalie Portman as a celebrity actress studying Julianne Moore as a Southern spin on Mary Kay Letourneau, the middle school teacher who had a sexual relationship with her 12-year-old student, was convicted of rape and imprisoned, and then married and had two children with him? Portman’s character is set to play Moore’s in a new movie. Is it by virtue of seeing these two gay-iconic actresses on a set with the director of “Carol,” “Velvet Goldmine,” and “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story,” a 1988 documentary about the ill-fated singer stop-motion-animated with Barbie dolls? Is it...
- 11/15/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Netflix and director Todd Haynes’ “May December,” starring Oscar winners Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, has been submitted in the comedy/musical categories for this year’s Golden Globe Awards, Variety has learned exclusively. It will now compete against other hopefuls such as “American Fiction,” “Barbie,” “The Holdovers” and “Poor Things.”
With the organization expanding its nominations from five to six, Haynes’ black comedy has a better shot at landing a spot in best picture.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
The film tells the story of an actress, Elizabeth Berry (Portman), who is set to portray Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), a Georgia woman who became a notorious tabloid figure when she engaged in a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old boy, Joe. Twenty years after the scandal, Elizabeth visits Gracie and a now 36-year-old Joe (Charles Melton) to prepare for her role, exposing the...
With the organization expanding its nominations from five to six, Haynes’ black comedy has a better shot at landing a spot in best picture.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
The film tells the story of an actress, Elizabeth Berry (Portman), who is set to portray Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), a Georgia woman who became a notorious tabloid figure when she engaged in a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old boy, Joe. Twenty years after the scandal, Elizabeth visits Gracie and a now 36-year-old Joe (Charles Melton) to prepare for her role, exposing the...
- 11/14/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix is creatively exploring a story that's ripped from the headlines in the new drama, "May December," which is set to release in select theaters on Nov. 17 and hit the streamer on Dec. 1. "May December" follows Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) and Joe Yoo ("Riverdale's" Charles Melton), who 20 years prior, began a romantic relationship at the pet shop where they worked when she was 36 and he was 13 years old. The two, now removed from the intense tabloid frenzy that once controlled their lives, live in Savannah with their children and find aspects of their past brought to light when actor Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) is set to portray Gracie in a new movie.
Though not exclusively based on a true story, the film is a fictionalized take on the 27-year-old case of Mary Kay Letourneau's highly publicized, scrutinized, and controversial relationship with Vili Fualaau, who she began sexually abusing when...
Though not exclusively based on a true story, the film is a fictionalized take on the 27-year-old case of Mary Kay Letourneau's highly publicized, scrutinized, and controversial relationship with Vili Fualaau, who she began sexually abusing when...
- 10/10/2023
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
Todd Haynes is the filmmaker “alive right now who is the most connected to the aesthetic and language of melodrama,” according to his longtime fan Ari Aster.
The day after the New York Film Festival’s September 29 opening night premiere of “May December,” Netflix hosted an Academy tastemaker screening of Haynes’ latest spell-casting melodrama starring Julianne Moore. Haynes couldn’t be joined by his cast, including Moore as a lispy suburban Mary Kay Letourneau type and Natalie Portman as a famous actress tasked with playing her in a movie, due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. But the Oscar-nominated “Carol” and “Far From Heaven” director was joined by “Hereditary” and “Beau Is Afraid” director Aster at the Crosby Hotel in Manhattan for a post-screening Q&a. IndieWire shares the exclusive full Q&a video below.
“I love this film, and when I first saw it earlier this week, it really bothered me,...
The day after the New York Film Festival’s September 29 opening night premiere of “May December,” Netflix hosted an Academy tastemaker screening of Haynes’ latest spell-casting melodrama starring Julianne Moore. Haynes couldn’t be joined by his cast, including Moore as a lispy suburban Mary Kay Letourneau type and Natalie Portman as a famous actress tasked with playing her in a movie, due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. But the Oscar-nominated “Carol” and “Far From Heaven” director was joined by “Hereditary” and “Beau Is Afraid” director Aster at the Crosby Hotel in Manhattan for a post-screening Q&a. IndieWire shares the exclusive full Q&a video below.
“I love this film, and when I first saw it earlier this week, it really bothered me,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
We present our interviews from the May/December Lff Premiere held in London. Directed by Todd Haynes, the movie follows married couple Gracie and Joe Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton) whose 23-year age gap sparked a notorious tabloid romance that gripped the nation two decades ago. Cut to modern day, and their marriage comes under renewed strain when Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) comes to spend time with the family to better understand Gracie, who she will be playing in a film about the scandal.
The movie will go on general release in UK cinemas 17th November and on Sky Cinema 1st December. Colin Hart and Ethan Hart were on the red carpet, here are their interviews.
May/December Lff Premiere Interviews
The post May/December Lff Premiere Interviews: Todd Haynes & more on Natalie Portman & Julianne Moore’s new film appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The movie will go on general release in UK cinemas 17th November and on Sky Cinema 1st December. Colin Hart and Ethan Hart were on the red carpet, here are their interviews.
May/December Lff Premiere Interviews
The post May/December Lff Premiere Interviews: Todd Haynes & more on Natalie Portman & Julianne Moore’s new film appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 10/6/2023
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
One thing eagle-eared Todd Haynes fans might have noticed in the trailer for his new film “May December”? Julianne Moore’s lisp.
The actress, who previously starred in Haynes’ films like “Safe” and “Far from Heaven,” plays Gracie Atherton-Yoo, a predatory woman married to a man with whom she started a relationship when he was a young teenager years ago. Now, in the present day, Natalie Portman plays an actress, Elizabeth Berry, studying Gracie to play her in an upcoming movie. That includes mimicking Gracie’s mannerisms, including a slight speech impediment.
As Haynes explained at a Friday morning press conference ahead of the campy melodrama‘s opening night premiere at the New York Film Festival on Friday, Moore’s character is based on Mary Kay Letourneau. She’s the since-deceased teacher who went viral in the mid-1990s for having an affair with a 12-year-old boy, whom she ended...
The actress, who previously starred in Haynes’ films like “Safe” and “Far from Heaven,” plays Gracie Atherton-Yoo, a predatory woman married to a man with whom she started a relationship when he was a young teenager years ago. Now, in the present day, Natalie Portman plays an actress, Elizabeth Berry, studying Gracie to play her in an upcoming movie. That includes mimicking Gracie’s mannerisms, including a slight speech impediment.
As Haynes explained at a Friday morning press conference ahead of the campy melodrama‘s opening night premiere at the New York Film Festival on Friday, Moore’s character is based on Mary Kay Letourneau. She’s the since-deceased teacher who went viral in the mid-1990s for having an affair with a 12-year-old boy, whom she ended...
- 9/29/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Get ready for an exciting treat as Sky has just dropped the trailer for the much-awaited Sky Original movie, ‘May December.’
The movie follows married couple Gracie and Joe Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton) whose 23-year age gap sparked a notorious tabloid romance that gripped the nation two decades ago. Cut to modern day, and their marriage comes under renewed strain when Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) comes to spend time with the family to better understand Gracie, who she will be playing in a film about the scandal.
Also in trailers – New trailer drops in for Taika Waititi’s ‘Next Goal Wins’
The Todd Haynes-directed melodrama follows its critically acclaimed debut at Cannes Film Festival with a BFI London Film Festival Gala screening at Royal Festival Hall this October.
The movie will then go on general release in UK cinemas 17th November and on Sky Cinema 1st December.
The movie follows married couple Gracie and Joe Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton) whose 23-year age gap sparked a notorious tabloid romance that gripped the nation two decades ago. Cut to modern day, and their marriage comes under renewed strain when Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) comes to spend time with the family to better understand Gracie, who she will be playing in a film about the scandal.
Also in trailers – New trailer drops in for Taika Waititi’s ‘Next Goal Wins’
The Todd Haynes-directed melodrama follows its critically acclaimed debut at Cannes Film Festival with a BFI London Film Festival Gala screening at Royal Festival Hall this October.
The movie will then go on general release in UK cinemas 17th November and on Sky Cinema 1st December.
- 9/28/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore Turn Tabloid Spectacle Into High Melodrama in ‘May December’ Trailer
Filmmaker Todd Haynes is back in his loosely-inspired-by bag for his new movie May December. Where 1998’s Velvet Goldmine excavated and toyed with the life and legacy of David Bowie, Haynes’ next film appears to draw inspiration from the seedy tabloid story of Mary Kay Letourneau, a teacher who had an affair with — and then married — her adolescent student, Vili Fualaau.
To be clear, May December — like Velvet Goldmine — is not an outright biopic, though biopics are used as a clever device in the new movie. Julianne Moore and Charles Melton play the couple,...
To be clear, May December — like Velvet Goldmine — is not an outright biopic, though biopics are used as a clever device in the new movie. Julianne Moore and Charles Melton play the couple,...
- 9/26/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Natalie Portman plays an amiable actress looking to play a notorious tabloid sensation, only to, in a monologue in front of a mirror, become a dark monster, in the official trailer for Todd Haynes’ May December, which dropped on Tuesday.
The press notes for the Netflix movie, set to open the New York Film Festival this Friday, don’t mention Mary Kay Letourneau, a true-life schoolteacher who became a registered sex offender and was imprisoned after pleading guilty to the second-degree rape of a 13-year-old boy from her sixth grade class, whom she later married.
But the inspiration is all too clear as Portman plays actress Elizabeth Berry in the May December trailer as she visits Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore), a woman who in her mid-30s, was caught having sex in a pet store stockroom with Joe, her Korean American co-worker, played by Charles Melton, when he was 13 years old.
The press notes for the Netflix movie, set to open the New York Film Festival this Friday, don’t mention Mary Kay Letourneau, a true-life schoolteacher who became a registered sex offender and was imprisoned after pleading guilty to the second-degree rape of a 13-year-old boy from her sixth grade class, whom she later married.
But the inspiration is all too clear as Portman plays actress Elizabeth Berry in the May December trailer as she visits Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore), a woman who in her mid-30s, was caught having sex in a pet store stockroom with Joe, her Korean American co-worker, played by Charles Melton, when he was 13 years old.
- 9/26/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The official trailer for Todd Haynes’ upcoming film, May December, explores a twisted personal drama, reminiscent of the real-life scandal between former teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and her 13-year-old student, Vili Fualaau.
The film stars Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry, an actress who travels to Maine to spend time with the real-life character she’ll be portraying in an upcoming film, a disgraced former teacher who made tabloid headlines for her relationship with a young teen student.
Julianne Moore plays the teacher, Gracie Atherton-Yoo, who has since married and had kids with the now-grown student, Joe Yoo (Charles Melton), having given birth to one of their children while she was imprisoned for her crimes against the then-minor.
May December. (L to R) Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo and Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry in May December. — Photo: Francois Duhamel / courtesy of Netflix May December, L to R: Julianne Moore as...
The film stars Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry, an actress who travels to Maine to spend time with the real-life character she’ll be portraying in an upcoming film, a disgraced former teacher who made tabloid headlines for her relationship with a young teen student.
Julianne Moore plays the teacher, Gracie Atherton-Yoo, who has since married and had kids with the now-grown student, Joe Yoo (Charles Melton), having given birth to one of their children while she was imprisoned for her crimes against the then-minor.
May December. (L to R) Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo and Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry in May December. — Photo: Francois Duhamel / courtesy of Netflix May December, L to R: Julianne Moore as...
- 9/26/2023
- by Alex Nino Gheciu
- ET Canada
Cannes darling “May December” has unveiled its first trailer starring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Melton. Directed by filmmaker Todd Haynes, the film first premiered back in May and is set for a limited theatrical release before hitting Netflix.
“May December” is based loosely on the true story of Mary Kay Letourneau, an American teacher charged with having a sexual relationship with one of her 12-year-old students. The film follows Hollywood actor Elizabeth Berry (Portman) who is tasked with portraying Letourneau stand-in Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore) on screen.
Elizabeth gets the chance to spend time with Gracie to better research her role, and delves into her convoluted family ties, a family that consists of Gracie, her young husband Joe Yoo (Melton) and the baby they conceived when was Joe was only 13 years old and Gracie gave birth to behind bars.
“May December” was written by screenwriter Samy Burch and also stars D.W. Moffett,...
“May December” is based loosely on the true story of Mary Kay Letourneau, an American teacher charged with having a sexual relationship with one of her 12-year-old students. The film follows Hollywood actor Elizabeth Berry (Portman) who is tasked with portraying Letourneau stand-in Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore) on screen.
Elizabeth gets the chance to spend time with Gracie to better research her role, and delves into her convoluted family ties, a family that consists of Gracie, her young husband Joe Yoo (Melton) and the baby they conceived when was Joe was only 13 years old and Gracie gave birth to behind bars.
“May December” was written by screenwriter Samy Burch and also stars D.W. Moffett,...
- 9/26/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
What’s better than a May-December romance? One with a salacious national scandal attached to it.
Todd Haynes’s 10th feature film “May December” stars Julianne Moore as a predatory woman who seduced an adolescent boy two decades prior; now, Natalie Portman is bringing her story to the big screen, causing personal mayhem for Moore’s secluded suburban lifestyle.
“May December” is set 20 years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, [as] a married couple (Moore and Charles Melton) buckles under the pressure when actress Elizabeth Berry (Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past. Meanwhile, Joe, having never fully processed what happened in his youth, starts to confront the reality of life as an empty-nester at 36.
The cast is rounded out by Piper Curda, Elizabeth Yu, and Gabriel Chung, who play Moore and Melton’s onscreen children.
“May December” premiered at Cannes and will open the...
Todd Haynes’s 10th feature film “May December” stars Julianne Moore as a predatory woman who seduced an adolescent boy two decades prior; now, Natalie Portman is bringing her story to the big screen, causing personal mayhem for Moore’s secluded suburban lifestyle.
“May December” is set 20 years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, [as] a married couple (Moore and Charles Melton) buckles under the pressure when actress Elizabeth Berry (Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past. Meanwhile, Joe, having never fully processed what happened in his youth, starts to confront the reality of life as an empty-nester at 36.
The cast is rounded out by Piper Curda, Elizabeth Yu, and Gabriel Chung, who play Moore and Melton’s onscreen children.
“May December” premiered at Cannes and will open the...
- 9/26/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“May December”, the latest film from director Todd Haynes, will be opening this year’s New York Film Festival, which kicks off on Sept. 29.
Ahead of that premiere, Netflix has shared a brief teaser for the movie, starring Julianne Moore and Natalire Portman.
“Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple (Moore and Charles Melton) buckles under the pressure when an actress (Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past,” reads the film’s synopsis.
Read More: Natalie Portman Insists Women Are Still ‘Expected To Behave’ In A Different Way To Men At Events Like Cannes Film Festival
“May December explores one of the great talents of the human species: our colossal refusal to look at ourselves,” said Haynes of the film.
In addition to the teaser, Netflix also released some first-look photos.
Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry in “May December”. Cr.
Ahead of that premiere, Netflix has shared a brief teaser for the movie, starring Julianne Moore and Natalire Portman.
“Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple (Moore and Charles Melton) buckles under the pressure when an actress (Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past,” reads the film’s synopsis.
Read More: Natalie Portman Insists Women Are Still ‘Expected To Behave’ In A Different Way To Men At Events Like Cannes Film Festival
“May December explores one of the great talents of the human species: our colossal refusal to look at ourselves,” said Haynes of the film.
In addition to the teaser, Netflix also released some first-look photos.
Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry in “May December”. Cr.
- 9/5/2023
- by Etcanadadigital
- ET Canada
Now, this is a couple worth obsessing over…
Todd Haynes’ tenth feature film, “May December,” reunites the director with his longtime collaborator and star Julianne Moore, who leads the film as former teacher Gracie Atherton-Yoo, who tumbled into the public eye when she wed husband Joe Yoo (played in his later years by Charles Melton) after a salacious, tabloid-gripping romance starting when he was just 13. Natalie Portman plays an actress who is tasked with portraying Gracie in an upcoming biopic about the shocking story.
Per the film’s official synopsis, “May December” is set “twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, [as] a married couple (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton) buckles under the pressure when an actress (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past.” When Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry (Portman) comes to spend time with the family, which also includes Gracie and Joe’s teenaged twins,...
Todd Haynes’ tenth feature film, “May December,” reunites the director with his longtime collaborator and star Julianne Moore, who leads the film as former teacher Gracie Atherton-Yoo, who tumbled into the public eye when she wed husband Joe Yoo (played in his later years by Charles Melton) after a salacious, tabloid-gripping romance starting when he was just 13. Natalie Portman plays an actress who is tasked with portraying Gracie in an upcoming biopic about the shocking story.
Per the film’s official synopsis, “May December” is set “twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, [as] a married couple (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton) buckles under the pressure when an actress (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past.” When Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry (Portman) comes to spend time with the family, which also includes Gracie and Joe’s teenaged twins,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
On the heels of his premiere, nine hours after Netflix bought his newest film for $11 million, Todd Haynes is a happy man, seated casually at breakfast in the Hôtel Martinez lobby mere steps away from the Croisette. And he should be.
May December is one of the most celebrated titles in competition at Cannes this year, which is saying a lot in a year with The Zone of Interest, Anatomy of a Fall, and Monster. While that could mean awards, which is great, distribution means eyeballs. And that, for most directors, is more precious than gold.
The film follows a––to put it lightly––naive suburban mom Gracie Athertoon-Yoo (Julianne Moore in her fifth Haynes feature) and the actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman in her first) who arrives to study Gracie in order to play her in an upcoming film. Why? Because she’s a convicted child sex offender who...
May December is one of the most celebrated titles in competition at Cannes this year, which is saying a lot in a year with The Zone of Interest, Anatomy of a Fall, and Monster. While that could mean awards, which is great, distribution means eyeballs. And that, for most directors, is more precious than gold.
The film follows a––to put it lightly––naive suburban mom Gracie Athertoon-Yoo (Julianne Moore in her fifth Haynes feature) and the actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman in her first) who arrives to study Gracie in order to play her in an upcoming film. Why? Because she’s a convicted child sex offender who...
- 5/24/2023
- by Luke Hicks
- The Film Stage
Natalie Portman has called out “the different” ways men and women are still expected to act in society and at events like the Cannes Film Festival.
The “Black Swan” actress promoted her new film “May December” alongside co-stars Julianne Moore and Charles Melton at the French festival on Sunday.
A synopsis for the upcoming flick reads, “20 years after their notorious tabloid romance, a married couple buckle under the pressure when a Hollywood actress meets them to do research for a film about their past.”
Natalie Portman, Charles Melton, Julianne Moore attend the “May December” photocall at the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 21, 2023 in Cannes, France. Credit: Niviere David/Abacapress.Com/Shutterstock
Read More: Natalie Portman Reveals The Unexpected ‘Star Wars’ Prop She Stole From Set And Whether Or Not She’d Return To The Galaxy
Portman — who stars as actress Elizabeth Berry — spoke at a press conference,...
The “Black Swan” actress promoted her new film “May December” alongside co-stars Julianne Moore and Charles Melton at the French festival on Sunday.
A synopsis for the upcoming flick reads, “20 years after their notorious tabloid romance, a married couple buckle under the pressure when a Hollywood actress meets them to do research for a film about their past.”
Natalie Portman, Charles Melton, Julianne Moore attend the “May December” photocall at the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 21, 2023 in Cannes, France. Credit: Niviere David/Abacapress.Com/Shutterstock
Read More: Natalie Portman Reveals The Unexpected ‘Star Wars’ Prop She Stole From Set And Whether Or Not She’d Return To The Galaxy
Portman — who stars as actress Elizabeth Berry — spoke at a press conference,...
- 5/23/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
It would be one thing for someone to have their life portrayed onscreen by an A-list actor, and another to invite that actor into their home for accuracy, to make sure they get the story straight. But it would be something else entirely for a convicted child sex offender to do the same, especially if that offender, over 20 years later, was raising kids with their now mid-30s victim-turned-husband in a prototypical American suburb. But that’s Gracie Atherton-Yoo for you, and she’s hardly fiction.
Todd Haynes’ May December pulls from a popular ’90s scandal wherein 34-year-old teacher Mary Kay Letourneau had sex with her 12-year-old student, birthed their baby while awaiting her sentence, went to prison, got parole, broke a restraining order to see him again, went back to prison, had another child behind bars, got out after seven years, married the student, raised a family with him,...
Todd Haynes’ May December pulls from a popular ’90s scandal wherein 34-year-old teacher Mary Kay Letourneau had sex with her 12-year-old student, birthed their baby while awaiting her sentence, went to prison, got parole, broke a restraining order to see him again, went back to prison, had another child behind bars, got out after seven years, married the student, raised a family with him,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Luke Hicks
- The Film Stage
Todd Haynes has a way with female stars. I would even call him the new-age George Cukor in that regard. Whether in Carol with Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, or his HBO limited series Mildred Pierce with Kate Winslet, or his homage to the director of so many so-called “women’s pictures” of the ’50s Douglas Sirk in Far From Heaven with Julianne Moore, he seems to be in his comfort zone with women. That has never been more apparent than his latest, May December, a deliciously entertaining showcase for Natalie Portman and Moore (her and Haynes’ fourth film together), which just had its world premiere Saturday in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
The title is fine, but watching the film I kept thinking a really great title for it from Hollywood’s past would have been Imitation of Life from the aforementioned Sirk, not that this movie has...
The title is fine, but watching the film I kept thinking a really great title for it from Hollywood’s past would have been Imitation of Life from the aforementioned Sirk, not that this movie has...
- 5/20/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
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