Julianne Moore stated that she, like all women, engages in the art of ceramics.

Julianne Moore’s extensive filmography includes a range of genres, from big-budget hits like The Hunger Games and Boogie Nights to smaller projects like The Hours and Still Alice. She brings a unique depth and attention to detail to each character she portrays, as seen in her latest role as Gracie in Todd Haynes’s provocative film, May December. In the film, Gracie, who caused controversy in her 30s for her relationship with 13-year-old Joe, has served her time in prison and built a life with Joe and their three children. However, their past is brought to light when Hollywood actress Elizabeth (played by Natalie Portman) prepares to portray Gracie in a movie.

What attracted you to the character of Gracie?

Typically, in a screenplay, when two women are depicted as adversaries, it usually signifies a romantic involvement or a familial connection. It is uncommon to witness a situation where they are both on equal footing, vying for control of the story. Gracie’s narrative centers around her confession of a grave mistake, and she is caught between vulnerability, emotional instability, and shame.

The film was completed in only 23 days, but there is a strong on-screen chemistry between you and Natalie Portman. Were you two already acquainted?

I had some social interactions with her at Hollywood events and also saw her at a Stevie Wonder concert, but I believe we have a similar work ethic. We both dedicate a lot of time to preparation and take our work seriously, but don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Did any part of Elizabeth’s research for her role have a dark and immersive impact on you?

For this situation, Gracie is a baker who works from home. Therefore, I went to see a fellow home baker and also visited a florist who taught me how to arrange flowers and provided me with specific instructions. It is my hope that you are not like Elizabeth, who is described as being vampiric, but rather that you are there to learn. Otherwise, someone in the audience may point out that you are doing something incorrectly. Such mistakes can take viewers out of the movie-watching experience.

Can you explain why you chose to give Gracie a lisp?

Gracie is promoting a narrative where she portrays herself as a princess saved by a prince. However, the truth is that the “prince” was only 13 years old. In order to maintain the story, Gracie has to portray the boy as a man, while she remains stuck in a childlike state. I considered what symbols or traits could represent Gracie’s story, and I realized that my lisp was something tangible for Natalie to mimic, as she based her character on mine.

Have you ever turned down a project from director Todd Haynes, even though this is your fifth film together?

I could never have predicted that my audition for Safe three decades ago would lead to such a long-lasting collaboration. The artist, Safe, is truly exceptional and his interest in themes of identity, performance, culture, and gender is very exciting to me. Personally, I am more drawn to dramatic relationships between characters rather than action in movies. In this aspect, Safe and I have similar preferences.

Have any of the complex and engaging characters you’ve played stayed with you? Do they leave a lasting impression?

As an actor, I am constantly focused on the future of the film. It is my responsibility to be fully prepared, memorize my lines, understand my character’s emotions, and conduct thorough research so that the scene can be captured in the moment on camera. There is a certain energy to it, but then it quickly moves on to the next scene. It’s comparable to indulging in candy – you don’t stop to savor it, you just crave more.

What methods do you use to prepare for the more challenging and unpredictable roles you have taken on?
You play a facsimile of these people. You do all the work, then you use your imagination to get as close as possible to the story. When you read a great book, you almost feel you’re inhabiting it, and to me that’s what it feels like when I’m acting. The great thing is that film-making is such a collaborative medium; I’m not in that book by myself, we’re all in there. It’s this wonderful experience of play, and of pretend, but also a desire to understand behaviour.

Do you enjoy reading frequently? Which books have you read this year?

I have a strong passion for reading. Some of my favorite books this year were Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, Pageboy by Elliot Page, the biography of Mike Nichols by Mark Harris, and Day by Michael Cunningham.

Did you just finish recording the audiobook? What stands out to you about his writing?

He is renowned for his lengthy, intricate, and emotionally powerful sentences. When attempting to speak them smoothly and convey the proper emphasis, I am in awe of the complex prose. I admire him greatly, as he is a superb writer.

After 118 days, the Sag-Aftra strike has finally come to an end. How did you spend your abundance of free time?

Due to the hectic year I had experienced, I was hopeful that things would feel more peaceful. However, that was not the case. It was excruciating because many individuals were unemployed and there was significant harm being done. It wasn’t just actors, but also everyone involved in the industry, including catering and security staff. We were all eager to resume work.

What activities do you engage in when you are not employed?

As a woman, I engage in ceramics like many others. I enjoy spending time with my friends, but I often tire of having lunch together. Doing ceramics is a way for us to bond and have conversations while engaging in a shared activity.

Have you ever gifted your pottery to someone?
I donate the majority of it, but not as Christmas gifts because let’s be real, who wants that for Christmas?

Do you have any fun holiday plans?

My children are currently 21 and 26 years old, yet we continue to celebrate Christmas at our house. Our traditions include exchanging stockings and Christmas crackers, enjoying a delicious holiday meal, and taking a stroll together. We also have plans to go to the theater, where we will be seeing “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Sweeney Todd.” As someone who adores musicals and Stephen Sondheim’s work, I am thrilled for this experience.