Aside from her electric stint at Marvel in Thor: Love and Thunder, Natalie Portman hasn’t appeared on the big screen in a long time. For his big return to cinema this year, the Oscar-winning actor took on a challenging, thought-provoking and enjoyable role.
Natalie Portman plays an actress who intervenes in the couple’s life to investigate their story, which will make it to the screen. Her preparation for the role shakes up the lives of both the actor and the couple in this satirical, grotesque, original and provocative dramatic comedy.
This feature film May December, presented at the Cannes Film Festival 2023, we have for Todd Haynes, known for his films I’m Not There, Carol, The Museum of Wonders and Dark Waters. Now you can watch his latest movie which was broadcasted on CANAL+ and available on myCANAL.
Beyond ‘May December’: The Mind-Blowing True Story
The meaning of the title will already give you an idea about the content of the movie. The expression “May December” refers to an Anglo-Saxon term that refers to a relationship between two people with a large age difference.
Because May December tells the story of Grace Atherton (Julianne Moore) and Joe Yoo (Charles Melton), a Korean-American couple twenty-three years her junior. The romance made headlines, especially because of their significant age difference, and it was their story that would be turned into a movie starring Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) as Grace.
The plot of Todd Haynes’ film is very loosely inspired by a real-life affair that caused a scandal: that of Mary Kay Letourneau, a 34-year-old American teacher who became pregnant by her 12-year-old Willy Fualau. students in 1997.
Mary Kay Letourneau, who was denounced by a relative of her husband, was then arrested. The professor alternates between being in prison and having children with Willy, while writing books with the young man to tell their story.
The affair caused consternation in the United States and Mary Kay Letourneau was released on probation, and in 2005, Mary Kay Letourneau and 21-year-old Willy Fualau were married.
After almost 15 years of marriage, Mary and Willy separated in 2019 at the initiative of Willy Fualau. The latter remained close to Mariam and supported her in her battle with cancer, from which she died in 2020. The sordid affair has inspired TV movies, documentaries and reports on the May to December theme.
The movie “May December” airs tonight on CANAL+ and is available on myCANAL.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
