Luchina Fisher's "May December," unfolds with a rapid and disjointed start. Natalie Portman's character, a glamorous woman, checks into a hotel while on the phone, and Julianne Moore's character, another woman, organizes a gathering at her waterfront home. The initial scenes set the tone for the film’s approach: a dramatic blend of everyday life with an underlying sense of horror. This method, a hallmark of director Todd Haynes, who often explores the psychosexual turmoil of 1950s melodramas, becomes a key element in "May December."
The film follows Elizabeth Berry, played by Portman, a TV actress who visits Savannah, Georgia, to research her upcoming role as Gracie Atherton, portrayed by Moore. Gracie’s controversial past involves a relationship with a seventh-grade boy, Joe, while she was a 36-year-old married woman. This scandal, which led to Gracie serving prison time and later marrying Joe, is the crux of the film.
Samy Burch’s script draws loose inspiration from the Mary Kay Letourneau case, adding complexity and ambiguity to the narrative. The film avoids clear moral judgments, leaving the audience in a state of discomfort over the subject matter. This is particularly evident as perceptions of Elizabeth shift throughout the film. Initially seen as a diligent actress, Elizabeth's true nature slowly becomes apparent, especially during a distressing scene with a high school drama club.
The film showcases the mirroring of Gracie by Elizabeth, as Portman subtly adopts Moore's character's mannerisms, speech, and style. This gradual transformation raises questions about Elizabeth's motivations and authenticity. Portman's nuanced performance highlights this transformation, particularly in a line delivery that leaves a lasting impact.
Julianne Moore's portrayal of Gracie is intriguing, as she appears unaware of how her actions and words are perceived. Gracie's lack of self-awareness and refusal to confront her past actions are boldly depicted by Moore, who doesn’t offer easy answers to the audience.
Charles Melton’s portrayal of Joe, the film’s emotional core, adds depth to the story. Joe, now married to Gracie and treated almost childlike by her, appears stuck and invisible, a stark contrast to Melton's physical presence. A poignant scene between Joe and his son underscores the lasting impact of Gracie’s actions on their family.
The film's score, by Marcelo Zarvos, is an adaptation of Michel Legrand’s work for “The Go-Between,” paralleling another story of a problematic relationship. The cinematography by Christopher Blauvelt portrays Savannah in a dreamlike, almost unreal manner, emphasizing the characters' detachment from their environment.
Recurring scenes of a historical walking tour through Savannah serve as a metaphor for the background role that history often plays in our lives. It becomes a commentary on human nature's fascination with tragedy and horror.
"May December," with its complex characters and ambiguous narrative, is a provocative and unbalancing film by Haynes. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and our relationship with the past, leaving a lingering impact through its performances and storytelling.
