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May
December (2023)
 
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Directed
by:
Todd Haynes |
COUNTRY
USA |
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GENRE
Drama |
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NORWEGIAN TITLE
May
December |
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RUNNING
TIME
117 minutes |
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Produced
by:
Natalie Portman
Sophie Mas
Christine Vachon
Pamela Koffler
Grant S. Johnson
Tyler W. Konney
Jessica Elbaum
Will Ferrell |
Written by:
Samy Burch |
Review
A loose rendition of the Mary Kay
Letourneau scandal, directed with an unparalleled knack for nuance
by Todd Haynes (Velvet Goldmine, Far from Heaven). And
there is plenty of potential for that in this controversial story,
about the now middle-aged Gracie (Julianne Moore) infamous for her
23-year-relationship with her husband Joe (Charles Melton) which
began when he was only 13 years old. May December details how
their family is put to the test once more when a famous actress
(Natalie Portman) comes to stay with them in preparation for her
playing Gracie in an upcoming film adaptation. The most refreshing
about May December may well be that Haynes seems to be more
interested in the characters' inner workings than the story's
controversy in itself. Through Marcelo Zavros' score (a
reorchestration of Michel Legrand's work for the film The
Go-Between) and some exciting cuts and transitions, Haynes
forefronts the story's edginess without making it tabloid or
sensationalistic. In particular, there's an ever-present underlying
tension in the juxtaposition of Joe's relationship with Gracie and
how Liz is gradually becoming her mirror image. There are subtleties
around every corner in here, and every plot and character
development is open for interpretation. And when all is said and
done, you may well feel that the film is just as critical of the
movie business as it is of the choices made by the Gracie character.
There are superb performances by the three leads, despite Moore's
annoying and alternating lisp.
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