Going into this, you would be right to feel very weary of its subject. The question is whether May December is sober enough to deal with Gracie and Joe's relationship with the seriousness it requires. If it doesn't, does it make the horrific decision of normalizing their story?
As I watched, it became clear that Todd Haynes was telling a stone-cold, tragic story with no ulterior motives. Anytime Gracie and Joe appear onscreen, together or apart, you can feel your skin crawl. That's the point. Nothing about their relationship or their lives is normal or okay. If the film makes any comment at all, it's to mock the nature in which the tabloid media exploits stories like this. Haynes clearly sees the media in the same predatory light as he does with Gracie. Elizabeth, the actor, comes to study them in the shallowest of ways. She has ample time to witness their messed-up lives, but only sees them as a means to land a role she thinks will bring her more acclaim and attention. The film itself is scored with music straight out of a true crime docuseries from the 90s.
May December, challenging as it may be, is one of the best films of 2023. Todd Haynes, ever the master of provocative cinema, has made another stunningly bold film. Portman, Moore and Melton will take your breath away.
As I watched, it became clear that Todd Haynes was telling a stone-cold, tragic story with no ulterior motives. Anytime Gracie and Joe appear onscreen, together or apart, you can feel your skin crawl. That's the point. Nothing about their relationship or their lives is normal or okay. If the film makes any comment at all, it's to mock the nature in which the tabloid media exploits stories like this. Haynes clearly sees the media in the same predatory light as he does with Gracie. Elizabeth, the actor, comes to study them in the shallowest of ways. She has ample time to witness their messed-up lives, but only sees them as a means to land a role she thinks will bring her more acclaim and attention. The film itself is scored with music straight out of a true crime docuseries from the 90s.
May December, challenging as it may be, is one of the best films of 2023. Todd Haynes, ever the master of provocative cinema, has made another stunningly bold film. Portman, Moore and Melton will take your breath away.