Natalie Portman Dives into Age-Taboos in 'May December': A Cannes Film Festival Sensation

Natalie Portman, the Oscar-winning actress, alongside co-star Julianne Moore, grabbed the limelight at the Cannes Film Festival with their new film 'May December,' directed by Todd Haynes. According to a report by Deadline, the movie received an eight-minute standing ovation, capturing the audience with its bold exploration of age-taboos and societal expectations.

'May December' - An Age-Old Controversy Reinvented

'May December' casts a spotlight on age-gap relationships - a term Haynes cleverly played with, citing it as an English expression and humorously equating it with the French term, 'Macron.' The plot revolves around actress Elizabeth (Portman) who studies the life of a real-life woman, Gracie (Moore), notorious for her relationship with an underage partner, Joe (Charlie Melton).

"My character is someone who transgresses, and how do we address that? When is age inappropriate?" Moore questioned, reflecting on the boundary-breaking nature of the film. "This movie feels so dangerous because you don’t know where anyone’s boundaries are – it feels scary."

From Script to Screen: Natalie Portman's 'May December' Journey

Interestingly, it was Portman who initially sent Samy Burch’s script to Haynes in 2020, recognizing the director's knack for building tension and drama through subtle strokes. The pair, along with Moore, crafted a story that continually peeled back layers of trust and viability.

While Haynes acknowledged the problematic aspects of the relationship at the heart of the film, he emphasized the importance of exploring these transgressions as a mirror to society and culture. "For some of my films, that’s been a recurring subject," he admitted.

A Feminist Statement on the Cannes Red Carpet

As the film puts women at the forefront, Portman and Moore seized the opportunity to comment on the societal expectations imposed on women. From appearance norms to behavioral expectations, Portman pointed out the disparities, even at Cannes. Moore echoed this sentiment, advocating for a world where women, constituting 50% of the population, are treated as such and not defined by cultural, gender, or racial stereotypes.

FAQs:

What is the premise of Natalie Portman's film 'May December'?

'May December,' starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, delves into the complexities of age-gap relationships, societal transgressions, and the different expectations imposed on women.

What was Natalie Portman's role in the making of 'May December'?

Natalie Portman was not just a lead actress in the film, but she also initiated the project by sending Samy Burch’s script to director Todd Haynes in 2020.