‘May December’: Julianne Moore Explores a Taboo Love Story Inspired by Real-Life Scandal
Netflix drama, "May December," Academy Award-winning actress Julianne Moore takes on the challenging role of Gracie Atherton-Yoo, a woman entangled in a controversial love affair that echoes the infamous Mary Kay Letourneau scandal of the late 1990s.
The film revolves around the life of Gracie, portrayed by Moore, who at 36 faced public scrutiny when news broke of her relationship with Joe, a 13-year-old co-worker.
Despite the controversial beginning, Gracie and Joe, played by Charles Melton, built a life together, navigating parenthood and suburban existence. The tranquility of their life is disrupted when renowned actress Elizabeth Berry, portrayed by Natalie Portman, arrives to study Gracie for an upcoming film.
Inspiration from real-life instances
The parallels between «May December» and the infamous Mary Kay Letourneau scandal of the late 1990s are evident. Letourneau, a 34-year-old elementary school teacher, made headlines when she engaged in a sexual relationship with her 12-year-old student, Vili Fualaau.
The film draws inspiration from the nuances of this real-life scandal, exploring the complexities of Gracie's character and her choices in the face of societal judgment.
Director Todd Haynes, initially attempting to focus on the unique choices in the script, eventually acknowledges the undeniable similarities to the Letourneau story. Despite the differences between the two women, such as Letourneau's cooperation with authorities and Gracie's unapologetic nature, Haynes finds valuable insights in the specificity of the Letourneau narrative.
One striking aspect is the focus on the vocal qualities of the characters, with Gracie's distinctive lisp mirroring Letourneau's «lazy tongue.» This meticulous attention
