F
Julianne Moore’s acting career has been diverse, ranging from big budget films like The Hours and Still Alice to smaller productions such as The Hunger Games and Boogie Nights. She has taken on a variety of roles in genres such as romantic comedies, period dramas, low-budget horror, and independent cult classics. Moore brings a deep understanding and meticulous attention to detail to each character she portrays. Her most recent performance as Gracie in Todd Haynes’s alluring and complex May December is no exception. Gracie, in her 30s, caused controversy in America for her sexual relationship with 13-year-old Joe. After serving time in prison, she has since married Joe and raised three children. However, when Hollywood celebrity Elizabeth (played by Natalie Portman) comes to research for her portrayal of Gracie in a movie, she stirs up the past once again.
What attracted you to the character of Gracie?
Usually, when two female characters are portrayed facing each other in a story, they are either involved in a romantic relationship or have a familial bond. It is uncommon to see a dynamic where they are on equal footing, both vying for control of the narrative. Gracie carries the weight of her own personal tale while also dealing with the consequences of a major mistake. In the midst of this, she experiences vulnerability, intense emotions, and shame.
The film was completed in a mere 23 days, but the chemistry between you and Natalie Portman on screen is incredibly strong. Did you two have a prior relationship?
I was acquainted with her through social events in Hollywood and encountered her at a Stevie Wonder concert. I believe we have a similar approach to our work. We both invest a lot of effort in preparation and take our work seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
Elizabeth’s research for her job becomes deeply immersive. Did any part of her method connect with you?
Gracie, being a home baker, inspired me to seek guidance from other home bakers and a florist for flower arrangement techniques and terminology. It is important to learn and avoid making mistakes like Elizabeth, who is overly critical. The audience will notice and be distracted if something is not done correctly, breaking the immersion in the movie.
Can you explain why you chose to give Gracie a lisp?
Gracie’s narrative centers around her being a rescued princess by a young prince. However, to maintain the story, she must portray the boy as a man while she herself remains a child. I pondered what symbols I could provide for Gracie to convey her story, and the lisp was a tangible characteristic for Natalie to imitate, as she was basing her character on mine.
Is this your fifth collaboration with director Todd Haynes? Have you ever declined a project he has offered you?
I never thought that my audition for Safe 30 years ago would lead to such a long-lasting collaboration. The artist I worked with is truly exceptional and shares my passion for exploring themes of identity, performance, culture, and gender. These are the things that truly captivate me. While action in movies may not excite me as much, I am drawn to compelling relationships between characters. This is something we both share a love for.
Have you portrayed any intricate and captivating characters? Do they linger in your mind?
In the world of film, you are constantly focused on the future. My responsibility is to be fully prepared, memorize my lines, have a deep understanding of my character’s emotions, and conduct thorough research. This allows the scene to come alive in the moment when the camera is rolling. It’s an exhilarating experience, but afterwards, it’s on to the next scene. It’s similar to indulging in candy – you don’t stop to savor it, you just crave more.
How do you discover the requirements for taking on some of the more chaotic and unpredictable roles you have pursued?
You portray a replica of these individuals. You complete all the tasks and then utilize your creativity to immerse yourself in the narrative. When you delve into a captivating novel, it’s almost as if you are living in it, and that’s how it feels when I am acting. The beauty of film-making is its collaborative nature; I am not alone in that book, we are all involved. It’s a delightful experience of pretending and role-playing, but also an urge to comprehend human behavior.
Do you enjoy reading? Which books were your favorites this year?
I have a strong passion for reading, and this year, some of my favorites were Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, Pageboy by Elliot Page, the Mike Nichols biography by Mark Harris, and Day by Michael Cunningham.
Did you recently finish recording the audiobook? What aspects of his writing do you appreciate the most?
He is well-known for his lengthy, intricate, and emotionally powerful sentences. When attempting to speak them smoothly and with the proper emphasis, I am in awe of the rich prose. I greatly admire him as an exceptional writer.
The strike by Sag-Aftra recently concluded after 118 days. How did you spend your abundance of free time?
Due to the chaotic events of the past year, I had high hopes that taking a break would bring some calmness. However, it turned out to be quite distressing as there were countless individuals facing unemployment and widespread effects. This not only affected actors, but also other professionals in the industry such as caterers and security personnel. We were all eager to resume work.
What activities do you engage in when you are not working?
Similar to all other females globally, I engage in ceramics. Despite my desire to spend time with my friends, I often tire of simply having lunch together. This activity allows us to bond and converse while doing something enjoyable.
Have you ever gifted your pottery to someone?
I donate most of my belongings, but not for the holiday season. After all, who wants that as a Christmas gift?
Do you have any fun holiday plans?
My children, who are now 21 and 26 years old, still celebrate Christmas with our family at home. We continue the tradition of hanging stockings and pulling Christmas crackers, followed by a delicious holiday feast and a walk together. We also have plans to see a musical at the theater – I managed to get tickets for Merrily We Roll Along and Sweeney Todd, both of which I am thrilled about because I have a passion for musicals and Stephen Sondheim’s work.
-
December is currently streaming on Sky Cinema.
Source: theguardian.com
