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 HBOlimited 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 Associated Press has the story:
Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman film at Cannes
Newslooks- CANNES (AP)
Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore anchor director Todd Haynes’ attempt at a fourth Palme d’Or in the drama “May December,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday night.
Moore plays an older star who became tabloid fodder two decades earlier because of her relationship with a much younger man, played by Charles Melton – best known for “Riverdale.”
Her life begins to unravel when Portman, a Hollywood actor, shows up to prepare for a role as Moore’s character.
“Rarely do you get scripts that feature such compelling female characters at their centre and two characters at such different ages,” Haynes told The Hollywood Reporter last week.
Both Moore and Portman have won Oscars for best actress, 2015’s “Still Alice” and 2011’s “Black Swan,” respectively.
“May December,” which was shot in just 23 days, is Moore’s fourth time working with Haynes.
