Moviefone Editorial

Tag: todd-haynes

  • Turmoil as Joaquin Phoenix Abruptly Drops Out of Todd Haynes’ New Movie

    Joaquin Phoenix arrives on the red carpet of The 92nd Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Credit/Provider: Nick Argo / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Joaquin Phoenix arrives on the red carpet of The 92nd Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Credit/Provider: Nick Argo / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Preview:

    • Joaquin Phoenix has left Todd Haynes’ new movie days before shooting was to start.
    • It’s a romantic drama focused on two men that Phoenix himself developed.
    • The movie likely now won’t get made and the team is angry at the actor.

    Joaquin Phoenix is a man who can be quirky when it comes to his acting performances; some might even describe him as precious about the work. Still, though some filmmakers have expressed frustration with him in the past, he has certainly had some winners, including nabbing an Oscar for ‘Joker’ and other directors who have happily worked with him multiple times.

    We’re not sure that Todd Haynes is about to join that club anytime soon.

    Because recently, Phoenix walked away from Haynes’ new, untitled movie mere days before it was due to start shooting in in Guadalajara, Mexico, leaving the production not just scrambling, but effectively shut down.

    Related Article: Director Todd Phillips Shares Romantic New ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Images

    What was the story of the untitled new movie?

    Joaquin Phoenix in director Ari Aster's 'Beau Is Afraid.'
    Joaquin Phoenix in director Ari Aster’s ‘Beau Is Afraid.’

    Only the most basic details emerged about the new movie’s plot, which Haynes and Phoenix worked on alongside ‘Showing Up’ and ‘Night Moves’ writer Jonathan Raymond.

    It was known to focus on an intense romance in the 1930s between Phoenix’s character and a man played by co-star Danny Ramirez, of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’.

    What happened with Joaquin Phoenix on the new Todd Haynes film?

    Director Todd Haynes attends Netflix's 'May December' Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix.
    Director Todd Haynes attends Netflix’s ‘May December’ Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix.

    No one is saying exactly why Phoenix suddenly got cold feet about the project, a situation which is even more surprising given that Phoenix brought the idea to the director in the first place.

    This what Haynes told IndieWire about the new project while promoting ‘May December’:

    “The whole experience was prompted by Joaquin. It was prompted by his daring, his desire to push through barriers and to really get into the uncomfortable places about this relationship. And yet it felt like a very organic process.”

    So what happens now with the movie? The production team, which includes Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler’s Killer Films, is focused now on paying those crewmembers who actually did show up in Mexico to start work on the movie. There appears to be no move to recast the main role, which would likely mean finding someone on Phoenix’s level who would want to take on the part.

    For this part, Haynes is reportedly pivoting to focus on directing HBO limited series ‘Trust,’ an adaptation of Hernan Diaz’s novel about upper-class financial ruin in the 20th century, with his ‘Mildred Pierce’ star Kate Winslet in the lead.

    What else has Joaquin Phoenix been unsure about?

    Joaquin Phoenix poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor In A Leading Role during the live ABC Telecast of The 92nd Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Credit/Provider: Nick Agro / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Joaquin Phoenix poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor In A Leading Role during the live ABC Telecast of The 92nd Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Credit/Provider: Nick Agro / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    In the wake of the Haynes movie mess, reports of other issues with the Oscar-winning actor, who has previously said he’s almost always nervous about taking on new roles.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter’s sources, he threatened to retreat from making Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ unless Paul Thomas Anderson (who steered Phoenix to an Oscar nomination for ‘The Master’) was brought in to work on the script. He did, and the result hit theaters last year.

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    This could well cause bad blood for Phoenix moving forward, but the actor has ‘Joker’ sequel ‘Folie à Deux’ due in October, with a world premiere set for the Venice Film Festival.

    The notoriously press shy actor will have even more reason to dodge questions this time, but if the movie is a success like the 2019 original, that will no doubt mean producers and directors will still want to work with him –– and he already has other jobs either in the can or lined up.

    Joaquin Phoenix in Director Todd Phillips' ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.'
    Joaquin Phoenix in Director Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo courtesy of Todd Phillips’ Instagram account.

    List of Joaquin Phoenix Movies and TV Shows:

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  • Kate Winslet to Star in New Limited Series ‘Trust’

    (Left) Kate Winslet stars in director James Cameron's 'Avatar: The Way of Water.' (Right) Director Todd Haynes attends Netflix's 'May December' Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix.
    (Left) Kate Winslet stars in director James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’ (Right) Director Todd Haynes attends Netflix’s ‘May December’ Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Preview:

    • Kate Winslet is attached to new HBO limited series ‘Trust’.
    • Todd Haynes will co-write and direct the show.
    • There’s also word of a potential follow-up to Winslet’s ‘Mare of Easttown’.

    In between her big screen gigs, Kate Winslet has become something of a fixture on HBO/Max with the likes of ‘Mare of Easttown’ and this year’s ‘The Regime’.

    According to Variety, she has another in development, called ‘Trust’, and it’ll mark a reunion for the actor with writer/director Todd Haynes, with whom she previously worked on HBO series ‘Mildred Pierce’.

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    What’s the story of Kate Winslet’s new limited series, ‘Trust’?

    Kate Winslet in 'The Regime.'
    Kate Winslet in ‘The Regime.’ Photograph by Miya Mizuno/HBO.

    ‘Trust’ adapts Hernan Diaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 2023 novel, which tells its story from multiple, competing perspectives.

    A 1920s Wall Street tycoon amasses a sudden fortune but loses a beloved wife. Decades later, his attempts to control the narrative of his life are undone by a biographer who uncovers the ultimate secrets of the legendary marriage.

    Related Article: Director James Cameron and Kate Winslet Talk ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

    Who is making ‘Trust’?

    Natalie Portman as Elizabeth, Julianne Moore as Gracie, Todd Haynes (Director) on the set of 'May December.'
    (L to R) Natalie Portman as Elizabeth, Julianne Moore as Gracie, Todd Haynes (Director) on the set of ‘May December.’ Photo: François Duhamel / Courtesy of Netflix.

    Alongside Haynes, ‘Trust’ will feature writing from Jon Raymond, who previously worked on ‘Mildred Pierce’ with the director and Winslet.

    The actor will also be an executive producer on the new show alongside Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler of Killer Films.

    Haynes plans to direct the series.

    What else is happening with Kate Winslet and HBO?

    Kate Winslet in 'Mare of Easttown'.
    Kate Winslet in ‘Mare of Easttown’. Photo: HBO.

    While making it clear that there is nothing official yet, Winslet has admitted to Variety that discussions are ongoing for a potential follow-up to 2021’s crime drama ‘Mare of Easttown’.

    The series, which followed the story of smalltown Pennsylvania police detective Mare Sheehan (Winslet), who juggles a murder case while dealing with grief and complicated family dynamics.

    Here’s what Winslet said about the current status:

    “We did run to have discussions about a Season 2. But it did feel too soon. While there’s nothing in the works, we are having early discussions about whether it might be time to start thinking of building something. We might be willing to figure out with Mare, years later, picking her up — not on the heels of where she ended, but there have been years for the character that have passed. Who is she now?”

    Executives have said that they’re going to be speaking to Winslet (who was an executive producer) and creator Brad Ingelsby about potential ideas soon, but the actor has yet to commit to anything solid.

    When will ‘Trust’ be on screens?

    There is no information yet on when the new limited series will be on HBO. It already carries ‘Mildred Pierce’ and ‘Mare of Easttown’ available to watch via Max.

    Kate Winslet in 'The Regime.'
    Kate Winslet in ‘The Regime.’ Photograph by Miya Mizuno/HBO.

    Kate Winslet Movies and TV Shows:

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  • New ‘Star Trek’ Prequel Movie in the Works

    1979's 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.'
    1979’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Preview:

    • ‘Andor’ director Toby Haynes is aboard a new ‘Star Trek’ movie.
    • Seth Grahame-Smith will write the script for the new film.
    • It’s just one of the ‘Trek’ movies in development.

    Since ‘Star Trek Beyond’ premiered in 2016, things have been awfully quiet on the big screen Trek front. While the TV side of things has gone from strength to strength with the likes of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, ‘Star Trek: Picard’, ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ and other series expanding the universe to success on streaming, it has felt like Paramount didn’t really have a solid direction for the movies.

    Different ideas have been mooted, but nothing has come to fruition. So we’re understandably skeptical –– albeit enthused –– at news of another.

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    What’s the latest ‘Star Trek’ movie in development?

    1979's 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.'
    1979’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    As reported by Deadline, the new movie will be set years before Captain Kirk (Chris Pine, at least assuming its set within the “Kelvin” alternate timeline established in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 ‘Star Trek’.

    Toby Haynes, who did excellent work as one of the main directors on recent ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’, will be overseeing this one, while Seth Grahame-Smith (no stranger to genre himself after writing the likes of ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ and producing the ‘It’ movies and many more, will be on script duty. Abrams is on board to produce.

    Related Article: Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount Talk ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2

    Does this replace the mooted fourth main ‘Star Trek’ movie?

    (L to R) Anton Yelchin, Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho and Zoe Saldana in 'Star Trek' (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Anton Yelchin, Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho and Zoe Saldana in ‘Star Trek’ (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

    As of right now, it appears the studio is still going full (warp) speed ahead on the next ‘Trek’ movie featuring Pine and the rest. Or at least is still developing it. Little is known about the movie, which at different times has had Matt Shakman –– who has since departed to focus on Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four’ –– and previously, SJ Clarkson attached to direct.

    It would seem that Paramount’s film arm is looking to take a page out of its TV side and have multiple projects in play.

    Which brings us to…

    What about Quentin Tarantino’s Trek movie?

    Quentin Tarantino accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay for “Django Unchained” during the live ABC Telecast of The Oscars® from the Dolby® Theatre, in Hollywood, CA, Sunday, February 24, 2013.
    Quentin Tarantino accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay for “Django Unchained” during the live ABC Telecast of The Oscars® from the Dolby® Theatre, in Hollywood, CA, Sunday, February 24, 2013.

    There was, for a while, much excitement about the idea that Quentin Tarantino would direct a ‘Star Trek’ movie.

    There was a concept pitched –– a spin on a gangster-filled planet inspired by a classic ‘Trek’ episode called ‘A Piece of the Action’ –– and a script written by ‘The Revenant’s Mark L. Smith. The plan was to deliver something that would be very different from the usual ‘Trek’ style (though ‘Discovery’ and co. have long since introduced swearing into the universe), with a hard R-rating.

    But with Tarantino having long since said he was planning to retire after another one more movie, it seems he didn’t want that film to be a ‘Star Trek’ outing.

    Here’s what Smith told Variety on the matter:

    “Quentin and I went back and forth, he was gonna do some stuff on it, and then he started worrying about the number, his kind of unofficial number of films. I remember we were talking, and he goes, ‘If I can just wrap my head around the idea that ‘Star Trek’ could be my last movie, the last thing I ever do. Is this how I want to end it?’ And I think that was the bump he could never get across, so the script is still sitting there on his desk.”

    Less “to boldly go” than “to boldly hang around”, then. Here’s hoping the Haynes film has more luck.

    1979's 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.'
    1979’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Other ‘Star Trek’ Movies and TV Series:

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  • Every Todd Haynes Movie, Ranked

    Director Todd Haynes attends Netflix's 'May December' Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
    Director Todd Haynes attends Netflix’s ‘May December’ Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Filmmaker Todd Haynes is one of the most acclaimed directors of his generation.

    In addition to making critically acclaimed movies like ‘Velvet Goldmine,’ ‘Carol‘ and ‘Dark Waters,’ Haynes has also made several movies with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore including ‘Safe,’ ‘Far from Heaven,’ ‘I’m Not There,’ and ‘Wonderstruck.’

    Their new movie together, ‘May December,‘ which also stars Natalie Portman, will be released in theaters on November 17th before premiering on Netflix December 1st.

    In honor of his latest film, Moviefone is ranking every feature film that Todd Haynes has ever directed, including his documentaries and ‘May December.’

    Let’s begin!

    10. ‘Poison‘ (1991)

    Three intercut stories about outsiders, sex and violence. In “Hero,” Richie, at age 7, kills his father and flies away. After the event, a documentary in cheesy lurid colors asks what Richie was like and what led up to the shooting. In the black and white “Horror,” a scientist isolates the elixir of human sexuality, drinks it, and becomes a festering, contagious murderer; a female colleague who loves him tries to help, to her peril. In “Homo,” a prisoner in Fontenal prison is drawn to an inmate whom he knew some years before, at Baton juvenile institute, and whose humiliations he witnessed. This story is told in dim light, except for the bright flashbacks.

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    9. ‘Wonderstruck‘ (2017)

    The story of a young boy (Oakes Fegley) in the Midwest is told simultaneously with a tale about a young girl (Millicent Simmonds) in New York from fifty years ago as they both seek the same mysterious connection.

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    8. ‘Dark Waters‘ (2019)

    A tenacious attorney (Mark Ruffalo) uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths to one of the world’s largest corporations. In the process, he risks everything — his future, his family, and his own life — to expose the truth.

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    7. ‘The Velvet Underground‘ (2021)

    Experience the iconic rock band’s legacy in the first major documentary to tell their story. Directed with the era’s avant-garde spirit by Todd Haynes, this kaleidoscopic oral history combines exclusive interviews with dazzling archival footage.

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    6. ‘Carol‘ (2015)

    In 1950s New York, a department-store clerk (Rooney Mara) who dreams of a better life falls for an older, married woman (Cate Blanchett).

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    5. ‘May December‘ (2023)

    Natalie Portman as Elizabeth, Julianne Moore as Gracie, Todd Haynes (Director) on the set of 'May December.'
    (L to R) Natalie Portman as Elizabeth, Julianne Moore as Gracie, Todd Haynes (Director) on the set of ‘May December.’ Photo: François Duhamel / Courtesy of Netflix.

    Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton) buckles under pressure when an actress (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past.

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    4. ‘Safe‘ (1995)

    Carol (Julianne Moore), a typical upper middle-class housewife, begins to complain of vague symptoms of illness. She “doesn’t feel right,” has unexplained headaches, congestion, a dry cough, nosebleeds, vomiting, and trouble breathing. Her family doctor treats her concerns dismissively and suggests a psychiatrist. Eventually, an allergist tells her that she has Environmental Illness.

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    3. ‘Velvet Goldmine‘ (1998)

    Almost a decade has elapsed since Bowiesque glam-rock superstar Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) escaped the spotlight of the London scene. Now, investigative journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale) is on assignment to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic Slade. Stuart, himself forged by the music of the 1970s, explores the larger-than-life stars who were once his idols and what has become of them since the turn of the new decade.

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    2. ‘Far from Heaven‘ (2002)

    In 1950s Connecticut, a housewife (Julianne Moore) faces a marital crisis and mounting racial tensions in the outside world.

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    1. ‘I’m Not There‘ (2007)

    Six actors (Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl Franklin, Richard Gere, and Heath Ledger) portray six personas of music legend Bob Dylan in scenes depicting various stages of his life, chronicling his rise from unknown folksinger to international icon and revealing how Dylan constantly reinvented himself.

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  • Movie Review: ‘May December’

    Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry and Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in 'May December.'
    (L to R) Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry and Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in ‘May December.’ Photo: Francois Duhamel / courtesy of Netflix.

    Premiering on Netflix December 1st, ‘May December’ is the new dramatic film from Todd Haynes, who reunites once again with Julianne Moore. This time, Natalie Portman joins for a complicated story of truth, reputation, perception and performance.

    Haynes, as ever, is a reliable filmmaker for a female-fronted story of controversial passion (he handled the subject delicately and winningly with ‘Carol’), but here it’s as if he also gives in to a notion of melodrama that doesn’t always work, and a distracting score choice doesn’t help that.

    Is ‘May December’ one to mark your calendar about?

    Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry with Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in 'May December.'
    (L to R) Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry with Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in ‘May December.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.

    With Haynes, Moore and Portman driving the film, there remains something watchable and compelling about the movie, with the leads (along with an impressive Charles Melton) keeping your attention as the story dives towards its conclusion.

    But a few off-putting elements ring somewhat false in the tale as a whole, and this is certainly a movie that will divide audiences. How you react may depend on your viewpoint on the subjects under Haynes’ microscope here, and how much sympathy you have for any of the characters.

    Related Article: Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman Talk Todd Haynes’ ‘May December’

    ‘May December’: Script and Direction

    Natalie Portman as Elizabeth, Julianne Moore as Gracie, Todd Haynes (Director) on the set of 'May December.'
    (L to R) Natalie Portman as Elizabeth, Julianne Moore as Gracie, Todd Haynes (Director) on the set of ‘May December.’ Photo: François Duhamel / Courtesy of Netflix.

    The screenplay for ‘May December’ is by Samy Burch, working from a story she created with Alex Mechanik. Though the roots are found in the real-life story of Mary Kay Letourneau, a schoolteacher who was convicted of child sexual abuse of the 12-year-old (Vili Fualaau) who was among her students. Letourneau ended up having his child while awaiting sentencing and they married when she was released from prison.

    ‘May December’ is not a 1-1 adaptation of that story (it is, at best, “loosely based”) but Burch has certainly included plenty of elements, including a moment inspired by a controversial TV appearance of the couple where Fualaau is badgered into saying he initiated the relationship. Those power dynamics run through the script, though it also layers on plenty of emotional instability, particularly in the character of Gracie (Moore), who, it is slowly revealed to have some severe issues. Well, we say slowly, but the signs are there from the start, especially in an exclamation about hot dogs that has gone on to be much-quoted, with the story leaving such little clues in the open.

    Haynes, meanwhile, chooses some unusual ways of ramping up the drama, including the use of score cues from 1971 movie ‘The Go-Between’ (adapted by composer Marcelo Zarvos), which he employs effectively. Yet there remains a lingering issue with the tone of the movie, one that feels ill-fitting for the morally problematic story at its core. A story of child abuse isn’t perhaps the best foundation for a nudge-wink story of egos, deception and emotional breakdowns –– no matter how artistically used they might be.

    Also slightly awkward is the crammed-in metaphor of butterflies, which Gracie’s husband Joe (Charles Melton) nurtures –– they’re a decent character beat for him, but they feel like a giant neon sign pointing to the nature of his and Gracie’s relationship.

    ‘May December’: Performances

    Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo with Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry in 'May December.'
    (L to R) Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo with Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry in ‘May December.’ Photo: François Duhamel / Courtesy of Netflix.

    Julianne Moore naturally shines when she’s working with Haynes, who directed her to an Oscar nomination via ‘Far From Heaven’. As Gracie, she’s a complicated mix of personalities, a seemingly together member of the community who hides a torrent of different feelings and could snap at any moment.

    Moore walks that line with aplomb, and if the script doesn’t always support her, she’s never less than committed.

    Portman, meanwhile, is also great, though she’s somewhat saddled with the vaguely cliched role of the actor searching for inspiration who pushes things too far in the name of research. Elizbeth has her own checkered past, and moral conflicts, and while some of her moves are predictable (a late turn liaison in particular), Portman rounds out the role.

    In a smaller but still important role, Charles Melton is impressive as Joe, who seems to have matured into a perfect husband, but is revealed to have a mountain of hang-ups and issues spawned from how their relationship began.

    Around the leads, the various children of the main couple are all believable, while special mention must go to Cory Michael Smith as Georgie, Gracie’s first born, who is now a cynical musician. As he starts to lobby for a role in the movie that Elizabeth will star in about Gracie and Joe’s story, he becomes more and more manipulative.

    ‘May December’: Final Thoughts

    Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo and Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry in 'May December.'
    (L to R) Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo and Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry in ‘May December.’ Photo: Francois Duhamel / courtesy of Netflix.

    ‘May December’ will certainly not be for everyone. Haynes has delivered a typically well-crafted drama here, but the subject matter sometimes slips from his fingers despite solid performances from the cast.

    It just feels like the tone is misjudged in places; the heightened dramatic aspect ill-suited to such a difficult story. Still, expect it to be in contention as awards season progresses.

    ‘May December’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘May December’?

    After their relationship ignited a tabloid saga two decades ago, Gracie (Julianne Moore) and Joe (Charles Melton) now lead a seemingly perfect suburban life. Their domestic bliss is disrupted when Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), a famous television actress, arrives in their tight-knit community to research her upcoming role as Gracie.

    As Elizabeth ingratiates herself into the everyday lives of Gracie and Joe, the uncomfortable facts of their scandal unfurl, causing long-dormant emotions to resurface.

    Who else is in ‘May December’?

    In addition to the three leads, the ensemble also includes Cory Michael Smith, Elizabeth Yu, Gabriel Chung, Piper Curda and D.W. Moffett.

    Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman attend Netflix's 'May December' Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
    (L to R) Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman attend Netflix’s ‘May December’ Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Other Todd Haynes Movies:

    Buy Julianne Moore Movies on Amazon

    Buy Natalie Portman Movies on Amazon

    Please click on the video player below to watch our interviews with director Todd Haynes and the cast of ‘May December.’

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  • Best Natalie Portman Movies

    Natalie Portman attends Netflix's 'May December' Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
    Natalie Portman attends Netflix’s ‘May December’ Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Natalie Portman has been acting professionally for over 30 years and has appeared in some of the biggest franchises and most beloved films of all time.

    Portman, who won an Oscar for ‘Black Swan,’ has appeared in such popular movies as ‘Leon: The Professional,’ ‘Heat, ‘V for Vendetta,’ ‘Garden State,’ and ‘Closer,’ as well as playing Padmé Amidala in the ‘Star Wars‘ prequel series, and as Jane Foster in three out of four of the ‘Thor‘ movies.

    Her new movie, ‘May December,’ which was directed by Todd Haynes and also stars Julianne Moore, was released in theaters on November 17th before premiering on Netflix December 1st.

    In honor of her latest film, Moviefone is counting down the 20 best film’s of Natalie Portman’s career, including ‘May December.’

    Let’s begin!

    20. ‘Thor: The Dark World‘ (2013)

    Chris Hemsworth in 'Thor: The Dark World'
    Chris Hemsworth in ‘Thor: The Dark World’

    Thor (Chris Hemsworth) fights to restore order across the cosmos… but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster (Portman) and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

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    19. ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones‘ (2002)

    Following an assassination attempt on Senator Padmé Amidala (Portman), Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) investigate a mysterious plot that could change the galaxy forever.

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    18. ‘Cold Mountain‘ (2003)

    In this classic story of love and devotion set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, a wounded Confederate soldier named W.P. Inman (Jude Law) deserts his unit and travels across the South, aiming to return to his young wife, Ada (Nicole Kidman), who he left behind to tend their farm. As Inman makes his perilous journey home, Ada struggles to keep their home intact with the assistance of Ruby (Renee Zellweger), a mysterious drifter sent to help her by a kindly neighbor.

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    17. ‘Thor‘ (2011)

    Against his father Odin’s will, The Mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) – a powerful but arrogant warrior god – recklessly reignites an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

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    16. ‘Hesher‘ (2010)

    A young boy (Devin Brochu) has lost his mother and is losing touch with his father and the world around him. Then he meets Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who manages to make his life even more chaotic.

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    15. ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace‘ (1999)

    Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson in 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.'
    (L to R) Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.’

    Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), a young slave strong with the Force, is discovered on Tatooine. Meanwhile, the evil Sith have returned, enacting their plot for revenge against the Jedi.

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    14. ‘Everyone Says I Love You‘ (1996)

    A New York girl (Natasha Lyonne) sets her father up (Woody Allen) with a beautiful woman (Julia Roberts) in a shaky marriage while her half sister (Drew Barrymore) gets engaged.

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    13. ‘Mars Attacks!‘ (1996)

    A fleet of Martian spacecraft surrounds the world’s major cities and all of humanity waits to see if the extraterrestrial visitors have, as they claim, “come in peace.” U.S. President James Dale (Jack Nicholson) receives assurance from science professor Donald Kessler (Pierce Brosnan) that the Martians’ mission is a friendly one. But when a peaceful exchange ends in the total annihilation of the U.S. Congress, military men call for a full-scale nuclear retaliation.

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    12. ‘Annihilation‘ (2018)

    A biologist (Portman) signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don’t apply.

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    11. ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith‘ (2005)

    The evil Darth Sidious (Ian McDiarmid) enacts his final plan for unlimited power — and the heroic Jedi Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) must choose a side.

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    10. ‘Thor: Love and Thunder‘ (2022)

    Natalie Portman in Marvel's 'Thor: Love and Thunder.'
    Natalie Portman in Marvel’s ‘Thor: Love and Thunder.’ Photo courtesy of Disney Studios.

    After his retirement is interrupted by Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), a galactic killer who seeks the extinction of the gods, Thor Odinson (Chris Hemsworth) enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi), and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Portman), who now wields Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor. Together they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

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    9. ‘Beautiful Girls‘ (1996)

    During a snowy winter in the small fictional town of Knight’s Ridge, Massachusetts, a group of lifelong buddies hang out, drink and struggle to connect with the women who affect their decisions, dreams and desires.

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    8. ‘Closer‘ (2004)

    Two couples (Jude Law and Julia Roberts, Clive Owen and Portman) disintegrate when they begin destructive adulterous affairs with each other.

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    7. ‘Jackie‘ (2016)

    An account of the days of First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy (Portman), in the immediate aftermath of John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.

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    6. ‘Heat‘ (1995)

    Obsessive master thief Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) leads a top-notch crew on various daring heists throughout Los Angeles while determined detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) pursues him without rest. Each man recognizes and respects the ability and the dedication of the other even though they are aware their cat-and-mouse game may end in violence.

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    5. ‘May December‘ (2023)

    Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry and Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in 'May December.'
    (L to R) Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry and Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in ‘May December.’ Photo: Francois Duhamel / courtesy of Netflix.

    Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton) buckles under pressure when an actress (Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past.

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    4. ‘Black Swan‘ (2010)

    A journey through the psyche of a young ballerina (Portman) whose starring role as the duplicitous swan queen turns out to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect.

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    3. ‘V for Vendetta‘ (2005)

    In a world in which Great Britain has become a fascist state, a masked vigilante known only as “V” (Hugo Weaving) conducts guerrilla warfare against the oppressive British government. When V rescues a young woman (Portman) from the secret police, he finds in her an ally with whom he can continue his fight to free the people of Britain.

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    2. ‘Léon: The Professional‘ (1994)

    Léon (Jean Reno), the top hit man in New York, has earned a rep as an effective “cleaner”. But when his next-door neighbors are wiped out by a loose-cannon DEA agent, he becomes the unwilling custodian of 12-year-old Mathilda (Portman). Before long, Mathilda’s thoughts turn to revenge, and she considers following in Léon’s footsteps.

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    1. ‘Garden State‘ (2004)

    Natalie Portman and Zach Braff in 'Garden State.'
    (L to R) Natalie Portman and Zach Braff in ‘Garden State.’ Photo: Searchlight Pictures.

    Andrew (Zach Braff) returns to his hometown for the funeral of his mother, a journey that reconnects him with past friends. The trip coincides with his decision to stop taking his powerful antidepressants. A chance meeting with Sam (Portman) – a girl also suffering from various maladies – opens up the possibility of rekindling emotional attachments, confronting his psychologist father (Ian Holm), and perhaps beginning a new life.

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  • ‘May December’ Interview: Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman

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    Opening in theaters in limited release on November 17th before streaming on Netflix December 1st is ‘May December,’ which was directed by Todd Haynes (‘I’m Not There’), and stars Academy Award-winners Natalie Portman (‘Black Swan’) and Julianne Moore (‘Still Alice’).

    Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman attend Netflix's 'May December' Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
    (L to R) Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman attend Netflix’s ‘May December’ Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking in-person with Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman about their work on ‘May December,’ preparing to play their complex characters, why Portman sent the script to Haynes, and what Moore loves about working with the acclaimed director.

    Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman star in Netflix's 'May December.'
    (L to R) Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman star in Netflix’s ‘May December.’

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Moore and Portman, as well as Charles Melton and director Todd Haynes.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Julianne, can you talk about the challenges of playing a character like Gracie, finding a way to empathize with her and really see the world from her point of view?

    Julianne Moore: That’s always the challenge, every time you do anything. Point of view is so important, because you realize that’s where stories are told. As an actor, you’re coming from the inside, but you also must be aware of what story the director is telling. So, there’s this dual focus. But to me, she was fascinating, because she is somebody who swallowed feminine culture whole, however she was raised, and she talks about her father, her brothers, the things that she pursued and what her expectations were. So, she’s learned to navigate the world from that vantage point, from this idea that this hyper-femininity and this almost less-than adult quality, like a childlike quality, that’s her best defense in the world. But then she’s done this truly transgressive thing, and she’s crossed a boundary. Her story about how that happened and who she was exists up here. That’s what she wants Elizabeth to follow. But maybe what really happened is here somewhere. So, there’s a tremendous amount of tension in her own personhood.

    Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry and Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in 'May December.'
    (L to R) Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry and Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in ‘May December.’ Photo: Francois Duhamel / courtesy of Netflix.

    MF: Natalie, Elizabeth is an actress and obviously you’re an actress as well. How did your own life experience as an actress help inform the character and give you a way into understanding her intentions?

    Natalie Portman: Well, I was lucky that I had 30 years of research for the part. So, I think it gives you an awareness of the layers of performance. Who you are in real life, who you are to other people, how people see you, your awareness of how they see you, how you want them to see you, and how you want them to see your character. Then there’s all these levels of how you perform for other people, even more so than the average woman who also is performing on multiple levels, and the average person who is also performing on multiple levels. So, exploring that and the contradictions between all of those was really fun.

    Related Article: Oscar Winner Natalie Portman Talks Returning to the MCU with ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Natalie Portman as Elizabeth, Julianne Moore as Gracie, Todd Haynes (Director) on the set of 'May December.'
    (L to R) Natalie Portman as Elizabeth, Julianne Moore as Gracie, Todd Haynes (Director) on the set of ‘May December.’ Photo: François Duhamel / Courtesy of Netflix.

    MF: Julianne, you’ve worked with Todd Haynes in the past. What was it like working with him again, particularly on this project, and what do you love about working with him?

    JM: I love everything about him. I really do. I think that he gives you so much shape when you’re working. There’s so much construction around everything. You always know what the context is. He tells a story with the way that he shoots you, with the way you’re framed, and with all his references, and how he casts around you. He does a lot of the work for you. In this case, I think we were both excited to tell this story about these very strong women in this intimate relationship that was admiring, combative, compelling and unusual. You never, ever get to see that on screen. Generally, you see a love story or a familial relationship, but not where these two women are so equally matched where they go head-to-head like this.

    Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry with Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in 'May December.'
    (L to R) Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry with Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in ‘May December.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.

    MF: Finally, Natalie, I understand that you first sent the screenplay to Todd Haynes. Why did you feel that he was the right director for this project?

    NP: Well, I had dreamed of working with Todd. I’ve admired his films for so long, and particularly his collaborations with Julie. I mean, ‘Safe’ is one of the all-time greatest movies for me and all-time greatest performances. So, I had sent him a few things over the years that he wasn’t interested in doing. When I got this, I was like, “Let me try again.” This was just the lucky one that he liked. I mean, this was a big win. I felt very lucky, and then he brought Julie, which was even greater. So, it was the joy of life.

    MF: Were you hoping that Todd would cast Julianne as well?

    NP: You know, I don’t think I even dared to dream that that would happen. I was really blown away when it did.

    JM: He slipped me the script. He was like, “Just heads up. There’s this thing that Natalie Portman just sent me.” I was like, “Oh my God, this is amazing.” Then I think he went back to Natalie and was like, “I think this could be something for Julie.” But it was very strange. It all happened like boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. We were lucky.

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    What is the plot of ‘May December’?

    Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton) with a large age gap buckles under the pressure when an actress (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past.

    Who is in the cast of ‘May December’?

    Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo with Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry in 'May December.'
    (L to R) Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo with Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry in ‘May December.’ Photo: François Duhamel / Courtesy of Netflix.

    Other Todd Haynes Movies:

    Buy Julianne Moore Movies on Amazon

    Buy Natalie Portman Movies on Amazon

     

  • Todd Haynes Drama Starring Anne Hathaway and Mark Ruffalo Gets Name, Release Date

    Todd Haynes Drama Starring Anne Hathaway and Mark Ruffalo Gets Name, Release Date

    Warner Bros/Summit

    Todd Haynes‘s latest film, now called “Dark Waters,” is getting an awards-friendly November release date.

    Mark Ruffalo stars in the true story of environmental defense attorney Robert Bilott as he took on chemical polluter DuPont. Oscar winner Anne Hathaway will play his wife Sarah.

    It’s based on the Nathaniel Rich’s New York Times Magazine article, “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare.”

    The Academy (and other awards-giving groups) love movies about whistle-blowers and crusaders like “Erin Brockovich,” and “Spotlight,” (which earned Ruffalo his third Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination.)

    Ruffalo is also a producer on the film, along with Haynes’ longtime collaborators Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler of Killer Films.

    The movie wasn’t ready in time for the earlier fall film festivals, but might play the AFI Fest in November.

    Focus Features will open the movie in limited  release on November 22 and expand to more theaters the following week.

    Haynes’s previous films include “Carol,” “Far From Heaven,” and “I’m Not There.”

    [Via IndieWire]