May December is like watching a masterclass in acting.

@Argeaux2

5 ай бұрын

From both leads.

@vinnym5607

5 ай бұрын

​@@Argeaux2and Charles Melton. I typically am far less interested in the male acting categories, but I sure hope he gets praise for such an excellent performance.

@CPTDoom

5 ай бұрын

@@vinnym5607 The scene with his son (aside: I'm convinced early in the film Haynes deliberately films the two actors in ways that cause you to mix up who is who - they're about the same height, with similar thick hair, and it reinforces the notion that Joe is just another teenager in the house) on the roof is devastating, but also deeply funny as a "first time getting stoned" trope.

5 ай бұрын

@@vinnym5607 the way he held his own acting with two cinematic titans like Moore and Portman, while playing a restrained, almost meek character... I was quite impressed.

@claireindigo1200

5 ай бұрын

It really is

It tickles me immensely that the way we are introduced to the concept of Frank being gay in Far From Heaven is by seeing him go in a movie theatre to watch The Three Faces Of Eve

I cant believe that you make these amazing videos for free, im always amazed by how educational, interesting, and well-researched they are

@Hogtownboy1

5 ай бұрын

you can drop her a dime by going to the thanks button,

I think its safe to say after working 30 years together. With their friendship, id say its rather endearing to call their friend ship “creative soulmates”, its sweet. ❤

My favorite moment in May December is when Elizabeth says “The boy we cast needs to be sexier”. It is such a repulsive thing to say, and in my own small experience, I have heard similar things. I worked at a bespoke clothing company in LA, and this woman brought in an actor to be measured for a shirt to be made. He was to play a young real-life famous basketball player and, to me, the resemblance was quite strong. Still, this woman in her foam flip flops and yoga pants loudly mused on the phone “I wonder if he’s too dark”.

@zucchinigreen

5 ай бұрын

That was a chilling part of the movie for me too because you know that kind of talk is true in Hollywood, and they're looking at 13-year old boy headshots! Also loved the gender flip, given that Natalie's been outspoken about the lack of recognition for women in Hollywood particularly directors, I couldn't help but think she relished that line. And it's also very meta given her start in Hollywood as a sexualized 12/13 year old who is still creepily fantasized about today in that role. I read an article about looking back at the role of race in the Letourneau case, and how black & brown children are viewed as older/less like young people. I have to say it's true. If her "forbidden love" had been a little white boy, she'd have gotten the electric chair, I have no doubt. That + white women are more likely to be seen as innocent. I didn't know that the real life "Joe" was Samoan which means he was probably bigger/taller for his age which sucks. He was a child... The Australian interview they reference in the movie is chilling. Mary really was not well. Clearly I have thoughts lol, watched the movie last night. I'll stop now. Happy New Year!

@1000huzzahs

5 ай бұрын

@@zucchinigreen I watched the movie and that interview. I agree to all your points above, and hadn't even considered the racial aspect. The interview was definitely chilling. Mary would go on circular tangents, refuse to let Vili speak, but then insist he was the one "in control" at the time. And the way she describes their "relationship" development - "Oh, I was at college and he was also doing some work at that same college" - I think she was describing some kind of extracurricular program for kids? But she was there taking actual grad classes. And the way she described it was this twisted version of "oh we both meet at the same point in our lives" - when he was a CHILD. I think during the whole thing she tried to come up with a reason why it was acceptable for her to do what she did, but "we need laws in place" for... I dunno, OTHER people?? The movie was masterful in how it presented the kind of damage that happens with these situations. Boys are cheered on for "getting with the hot teacher" but when you examine the psychology behind it all, you see it really isn't what people want to think it is.

You know what? I love that Haynes brought up "Manhattan." Moore's description of the way her character Gracey acts in order to control the relationship between her and Joe, is exactly how Woody Allen controls his relationship between his 17 year old "love interest" Tracy in "Manhattan." Woody Allen's 42 year old TV writer acts the shrinking violet, the child-like man, while Tracy is portrayed as the "mature," confident, in-charge WOMAN who knows what she wants and gets it. The difference? Moore is acutely aware that she is playing a delusional, manipulative predator in an abusive relationship. Woody's is played straight. Of course knowing what we know about him, we know why.

I love the idea that Safe, Far from Heaven, and May December make up a Haynes/Moore trilogy of the white housewife. Adding such a direct mirror/foil with Natalie Portman's character was absolute genius on the part of Samy Burch, something I'm not sure Haynes would have developed on his own but which adds dimension to his usual themes. I hope everyone involved with May December wins many awards.

What a way to end the year ❤❤

Fun fact: Far From Heaven is one of Viola Davis’ first major film credits. Also, Julianne should’ve gotten Oscar nominations for The Kids Are Alright, Safe, Magnolia and Wonderstruck.

WTF julianne blew me away with those few clips of how she changed her voice & posture in safe... time to watch that movie now

I can’t imagine having a better creative soulmate. Julianne is a quintessential muse - unbelievably beautiful, profoundly expressive, eagerly capable of transforming into whatever you need her to be. A true collaboration that yields masterful results. ❤

I adore Far From Heaven so much. Julianne's performance might be one of the 10 Best nominated for Best Actress

@vinnym5607

5 ай бұрын

Certainly one of the best to not win, which happens too often (Bette Davis for "All About Eve" is up there).

@andya8960

5 ай бұрын

I totally agree it's heartbreaking. Love your videos

@martijnkeisers5900

5 ай бұрын

A masterpiece.

@Msfili

5 ай бұрын

along with Bassett for wlgtdwi @@vinnym5607

@501Blonde-dq1ui

5 ай бұрын

I adore Far From Heaven, especially Julianne Moore’s performance, too. However, I don’t think it hasn’t aged as well as many other films (in that year alone with Moore also in The Hours, Adaption, Chicago, etc.) I love Todd Haynes & Julianne Moore collabs - I did like May December, but Safe is easily my favorite. Everything about it is so afflicting, but Julianne Moore gives an all time performances.

Safe is so underrated. I had to watch it for a class and was blown away.

Safe is the movie that made me a Julianne Moore fan

@benjamintillema3572

4 ай бұрын

It's very clear that her being stilted was 100% intentional ​@nickxero2740

Julianne Moore's an actress who managed to make Sarah Palin look sympathetic. Let that sink in for a minute.

@darrylvarney9837

5 ай бұрын

I always felt like Natalie Portman could make a great Sarah Palin. Or maybe Lorraine Bracco

@kostajovanovic3711

5 ай бұрын

That indeed seems like a feat rarely achieved

@jamesa.romano8500

5 ай бұрын

I was going to say it would be like an actor managing to giving pathos to Trump but that's a whole different animal altogether. Maybe a better analogy would be some actor pulling off Tucker Carlson or Ron DeSantis with sympathetic dimensions lol

@abrahamaytemo

5 ай бұрын

I used to be friends with a few Republicans and when Game Change came out they obviously didn't like it but the biggest complaint was that she sounded nothing like Palin who is obviously very visible and at the time I kind of agreed. If we're looking at how Julianne would have approached the role, my guess is that her vocal choice wasn't going off of her various Fox News appearances or rally speeches but probably was studying her pre-2008 appearances when she was "just governor" in which case her voice is more flat in its delivery and less bombastic. Presumably Julianne was trying to do Sarah as she might be behind closed doors rather than just rip off Tina Fey. It reminds me a little of the South Park Palin parody which went down a similar route by having that version drop the faux folksy act as soon as she's away from the podium and start speaking with British jewel thief accent...

One thing that kept me coming back to Carol - aside from its beauty - is its score, so your emphasis on it made so much sense.

A truly brilliant "deep-dive" into the creative relationship between Todd Haynes and Julianne Moore. Probably one of your finest videos. You prove that video essays can be the vehicle for insightful critical attention.

I was visiting NYC earlier in the month, and ended up going to the museum of the moving image. I had no idea they were running a todd haynes retrospective, both on the museum floor and in their theater series. it was so mind blowing to get to see tons of pieces from haynes’ productions - scripts with edits and notes handwritten in, magazine cutouts compiled as inspiration for a character, and one of the karen carpenter barbies from superstar. I know he’s gotten a lot of tangible recognition and nominations in the film world, but it makes me sad that todd haynes isn’t recognized and acknowledged for having a unique, influential, and exceptional career. I got to see velvet goldmine in the theater that night at MOMI, and I nearly cried so many times….man!

Julianne Moore has an impressive catalogue of playing broken and/or complicated women. She’s the best at it.

@eamonndeane587

2 ай бұрын

It makes me think she should collaborate with Carrie Coon at some point.

What a wonderful video essay! I often feel like movies are not for me, as I fail to appreciate all the moving pieces that make a cinema, but I also cannot stay away. The one aspect of movies that fascinates me the most is probably the collaborations between artists adept at different aspect. And then, when these creative souls find each other, magic happens! I've only watched Far From Heaven and May December from out of their five collaborations, but after watching your video, I badly want to watch Safe. The thoughts she had right after reading the script and the choices she made to express that, truly the stuff of legends. Please make this a series, I'd love to know about more creative soulmates!

We don't deserve you, Izzy. We truly don't. I can't thank you enough for giving us so much through your work

I'm a mid 30's straight dude, I really enjoy your work. You bring these topics that i would never even consider thinking about and make them so fascinating and thought provoking. Thank you. I feel like i'm not educated enough in film to have a in depth opinion, but every time i see one of these videos, i get a little closer and i understand where you are coming from. Thanks so much for your hard work.

Moore is a fantastic actress! With all the roles Moore has had in her career, her performances never repeats themselves.

@cuucnsbfl9913

5 ай бұрын

Joe Says: She (JM) is the main reason I bought (for cheap, tho!) A DVD of a movie I'd Never Seen Before and didn't even know had existed, "What Maisie Knew," (based on a short story[?] by a long-dead author from the crack of the 20th Century - a storyline Updated to our "Modern" times) and JM Did NOT DISAPPOINT [I KNEW She Wouldn't!!!] - Despite playing yet another Complex Character who you can Absolutely HATE at a certain moment in the story (Or at Least, Resent) but making the character REAL Enough to Connect with and actually end up feeling sympathy (Well, SOME Genuine Sympathy) For... and isn't That a testament to JM's Skills! [Not to mention the leading man - Absolutely DELICIOUS on-screen and Super Crush-Worthy! I have joked, "What Maisie Knew was How Lovable that Dude Is!" [And that movie was made Before he played Tarzan!]

"What am I going to do: not mention 'Body of Evidence'?" followed by the slap scene. And the Karen Carpenter story does exist? Omg, the year is ending with a high. Thank you for your excellent work.

@benjamintillema3572

4 ай бұрын

2:58

@Trixtah

4 ай бұрын

I watched it in the theatre - it wasn't banned in the country where I saw it.

Since BKR mentioned ‘the Todd Haynes special’ in the Nicole Kidman video, I’ve been most intrigued. Also, thank you for your video essays and here’s to more of them!

@littlelizzyann

5 ай бұрын

Ha! Thank you. I remembered that line, but I couldn't remember which vid it came from. As always, loved this video!

I'm only 4:45 into the video now, but had to chime in with the fun fact that Donald Wildmon, the notorious anti-gay "preacher" who targeted "Poison," died two days ago. Talk about timing!

@CPTDoom

5 ай бұрын

Finished the video and loved the exploration of this partnership and of Haynes' deft hand with tone & genre. I've seen "May/December' three times now and with all the discussion of the film as camp, comedy and/or melodrama, I don't see it described in the way I initially took it - a gothic horror story, a la Edgar Allen Poe. There's a couple locked in a deeply unhealthy psychosexual entanglement, living in the big house with apparently no money concerns, visited by an outsider who becomes more and more like the woman in the couple while also totally disrupting their lives. Whatever the genre you put the film in, Haynes has used his knowledge of the medium to keep us enraptured but in the end learning the truth that there's no way to handle Gracie & Joe's story 'sensitively," no great love story misunderstood by the world. Gracie is a manipulative, gaslighting groomer who has caused enormous damage to Joe.

This is the most in depth video essay about a powerhouse director and actress I've ever seen. Julianne Moore came to my concierge desk needing a rental car. It was 1990. I have no idea who she is. Little make up. Her smile lit up the lobby. I had to stand, as you would with a truly beautiful person. Later, I saw a film VANYA ON 42nd STREET. I kept looking at this actress, knowing I knew her from somewhere. Notes her name and got right into SAFE. Her collaborations with TOD HAYNES are always exceptional. HAYNES takes up the slack where "women's pictures" left off. The psyche of the female takes center stage. Refreshing. Thank you for this in depth look.❤

'May December' was such a treat. For me 'Safe' remains one of the most haunting movies I have ever seen. I'm interested Todd's future collaboration with Cate Blanchett. She was masterful in 'I'm not there' 'Carol'

I love this channel! I have to say something, when I first started watching this channel I didn’t have the best opinion of camp but since I’ve watched so many films from these videos and Izzie’s many recommendations I have to say I like camp now. I still believe that camp better suits comedy than drama but I even enjoy camp in dramas like All About Eve which is one of my favorites of all time! I’ve seen so many campy films recommended by BKR like Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, Pillow Talk, Judy Garland musicals, Leave Her to Heaven, Valley of the Dolls, and so much more. I’ve grown to appreciate it. And I’m happy to say that I was wrong. I can’t tell you how I love so many campy movies with Bette Davis in it. This channel has truly opened my eyes and helped me to appreciate something I didn’t use to. P.S. Total props for that Marlee Matlin shoutout! 😍

@StephenYuan

5 ай бұрын

I think that's what good criticism should do, educate your taste, open you to things you didn't know you would like.

@abandonedfragmentofhope5415

5 ай бұрын

@@StephenYuan I totally agree.

@phoebevolz2291

5 ай бұрын

While we’re on the subject of campy Bette Davis movies, if you haven’t seen The Anniversary yet, drop whatever you’re doing and watch it now. It’s a film that seems to slip through the cracks pretty often, but it is deliciously wicked.

@abandonedfragmentofhope5415

5 ай бұрын

@@phoebevolz2291 I’m gonna check it out.

I was supposed to finish writing a novel this evening. This will do nicely, procrastination-wise.

I want to watch this so bad, but I’ll have to come back once I’ve seen the rest of their collaborations ❤️

You've made me want to watch every one of these films now!

I have never watched any of these? This channel never fails to show me new stuff that I really want to watch.

I have seen Far From Heaven (2002) and I was taken by the film as a whole, communicates the artiface of the time. I can't say I've seen any of Todd Haynes films since, but this essay does a wonderful job of pointing me in the direction to explore. I sometimes worry that Haynes films are too intellectually heavy for the average filmgoer, but maybe he just trusts audiences to be intelligent, which is rare. May/December does look fascinating, so I will make a point to see it.

Julianne Moore is just a fascinating actor. My favorite roles of hers are in Far from Heaven and The Hours, of course. She is also great in Boogie Nights, and even The Forgotten. Just overall a class act. Thank you for sharing this.

This is honestly one of the most brilliant videos you’ve ever made - and that is a VERY high bar. It’s like you can read your audience’s mind on what we will devour

Safe is a haunting, mesmerizing movie & it completely hinges on Moore's performance, and she delivers beyond. Truly unique & indelible film & performance.

I knew that the Todd Haynes video would come someday, and it did not disappoint. I gave myself Barbra’s memoir as a Christmas gift, and now BKR gave us this. Great end to 2023. As Gracie Atherton-Yoo herself might say: Can’t wait to thee what nexth year bringth. Happy New Year, everyone.

I have literally just finished May December, clicked on KZread, and THIS. Perfection ❤

Seeing this after May December got snubbed from the sag awards is a real bummer

@SkyeID

2 ай бұрын

maybe it was snubbed due to the subject matter?

Far from Heaven is one of my favourite films ever. I’m gutted it’s not available on streaming services.

So detailed in your storytelling you even make the ending of the video that is in essence a commercial for Mubi, seamless to the video essay we just were able to view and ingest. BKR really has a talent. Great work as always.

Julianne said recently that she thinks her performance in ''Far From Heaven'' is her best

What a great end of 2023 gift! Their collaborations are excellent art. Thanks. PS. I subscribed to MUBI last month and you're complete right! Best streaming platform ever! Happy 2024!

Still watching, but i just wanted to drop a comment that Far From Heaven is one of my favorite movies.

TWO bkr videos in a month? We are spoiled!

Excellent critical analysis of Moore and Haynes. I agree with Moore that an itinerant life brought up in a military family allowed me to recognise just how mutable things are.

I’m not going to lie, when I first saw the thumbnail and description for the video I thought “ugh I love Julianne Moore but I have no idea who Todd Haynes is and I wish she’d do a five part 1950 Oscars series” but DAMN was this a good video. I literally want to go and watch all of these movies now (except the Bob Dylan one because I hate Bob Dylan). I wish there were more video essayists like you who can take niche topics that you clearly thought about randomly at 3 AM and turn them into engaging, thoughtful, and interesting videos. I love it and I am always eager for moore. (Typo intended)

BKR does it again. Your video essays are so well studied and researched and you never ever miss a detail. Wonderful.

oh you made this for me

Love this. Love their collaboration - this deep dive is excellent. Thank you for all the work you did on this! It’s great. ❤

what a fantastic video with so much insight. I love Julianne Moore- one of those actors that you know will always give a great performance.

Now this is a unique topic and love it!!! I wouldn’t have thought of talking about such a collaboration between actress and director. Thank you 😊

I’ve been quietly obsessed with this pairing forever, so to see this pop up on my page was an absolute delight. Thank you.

I have goosebumps just learning about Safe, thank you for this video!!

In my opinion Natalie Portman gave her career best performance in this movie. ❤

@Guilherme-kk2tr

5 ай бұрын

Is that good??? I Need to watch.

@TalkAsSoftAsChalk

5 ай бұрын

Absolutely! It manages to be completely unhinged and extremely understated at the same time.

@singstreetcar5881

5 ай бұрын

Charles melton is the one winning all the awards tho

@jonathanvelazquezph.d.2719

5 ай бұрын

I also loved it but Best Actress is stacked this year. So, I don't think she'll get the nomination. There might be room for Julianne Moore and there better be room for Charles Melton. He was a revelation!

@galfisher2499

5 ай бұрын

Ouff… that’s tough. I do think Natalie was amazing in May December, but her Black Swan performance is truly something to behold. I saw that one in theaters, and to this day I’m still awed and floored by her performance in that movie.

"Observer of a genre". How f-ing beautiful is that?❤❤❤

My absolute wild amazing English/Writer's Craft teacher showed us a very illegal ripped DVD of the Karen Carpenter story in class and we were like 😮😮😮😮

Thank you so much for your videos, and thank you for contextualizing May December through this deep dive of their collaborative relationship. All your videos offer me a nuanced way of approaching cinema as a whole, and happy new year!!

Excellent video - thank you!

I think it was PT Anderson who said that, if you have doubts on how to direct an actor on a specific scene or line, just ask Julianne Moore to do it and she’ll know how to approach it.

This might be misconstrued as off-putting and/or off-topic, but I can’t express how refreshing it was to NOT hear from you that Todd Haynes is gay. As a gay man myself, it’s been something of a struggle, and now in middle age, a blessing, to simply be seen as a person first, and to be talked about for my work and how I contribute to something, rather than my sexuality. For a forty minute plus video, it’s supposed to be almost obligatory to hear “Todd Haynes, who is gay…” You have no idea how enlightening and wonderful it is to NOT have to hear that. You show respect to him as a filmmaker and discuss his art, not what he does in the bedroom. Bless you for this. It’s a bigger deal than you might imagine.

well this was the best birthday present ever, incredible to watch such a meticulous and thoughtful exploration of Haynes and Moore's collaborations!

So glad that this was the first vid I watched in 2024. Thank you Ms BKR!

Not even halfway but truly wonderful analysis but also GREAT editing, subtle and precise. Your script is good, clear, your narration is impeccable. Never a bad video!

This is wonderful. Thank you

Thank you for this. Was about to watch another video essay but as soon as I saw this, it was a wrap. Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉

Sometimes you make videos that feel like they’re just for me. What a wonderful present for the holidays. Happy New Year to you, wishing so much success for you and your wonderful channel.

Todd Haynes has been one of my favourite directors since Far From Heaven, his films are just exquisite.

I find your videos/documentaries so consistently interesting and insightful. Best wishes for a 2024 of creative fulfillment for you BKR!

Such a great duo to highlight. Safe stunned me and changed the way I select movies

I love your work! Thanks for lending your perspective.

This is such an amazing video, Izzy!

Perfect video, I didn’t want it to end

Thank you so much for this video, Izzy. I love a Haynes/Moore collaboration and I love your videos and i just watched May/December so this video came with perfect timing. Happy new year!!

I could very happily read an entire book on your musings on the masterpiece that is Far From Heaven. This video is award worthy.

I thoroughly enjoy your video essays, and I am always impressed how you interpret movies, actors, etc; and their relationships with their work and their colleagues. How Julianne approaches her roles has always been fascinating to me, and it seems to me that she takes her time, and really considers every aspect of the role prior to accepting it. Then, once she accepts it, she puts her blood, sweat, tears, heart, and soul into the performance….. and boy does it show. She is incredibly talented. It seems to me that is how you approach these works of art that you put together. You are incredibly talented, and you really look at things from every angle. Thank you for putting the work in. I truly enjoy it, and I especially love when you introduce me to someone, something, or a piece of media I hadn’t heard of before. I truly hope you enjoy putting these together as much as I enjoy watching them. Take care. 😊❤

I can't praise ur videos enough, u deserve an award urself!

as usual, I come away from your videos with new insights and information. my curiosity is piqued in a whole new direction. thanks for always opening doors!

OMG??? An upload on NY??? Blessed 2024 🎆🎇

What a fantastic mini-documentary! I love Moore so much, she always brings something interesting to her roles.

Julianne Moore and Todd Haynes are a modern classic cinema duo. Thans for the great content and keep it coming! Your videos have been informative and have given me new and fresh perspectives on the movies, themes, and actors you have presented. May the New Year bring you continued success and prosperity! Happy New Year and cheers!!!! 🎉

Happy New Year BKR! Love your video as always. Great way to start this year!

What an amazing video! I love their creative partnerships together, Safe, Far From Heaven, and May December are all great 👍 Their work together and separately I hold with such high regard ❤

GREAT video. May December was probably my favorite or second favorite of the year. This movie had me hooked from the opening credits.

When I saw this in my subscriptions, I immediately clicked play.

Coming back to say i love this video so much.

liked before watching!! love julianne moore and todd haynes creative partnership

Awesome video. Finished with a whole new appreciation for her.

I was just sitting down to watch Safe… perfect timing Be Kind Rewind

Thank you for this. You’ve taught me MUCH…loved your lucid look at “ Far From Heaven”. Moore’s work was poignant, thorough, and confronting on a trope-shattering level chocked with excruciating irony. You’ve made her my fav(e)👏🏾👏🏾

Thanks for the vid

Just saw May December and was blown away by both the acting and the direction - did not realize they'd collaborated this much. Far From Heaven was already on my list (because Haynes did an interview on the Criterion edition of All That Heaven Allows), so now I need to delve deeper. Also had not made the connection between I'm Not There and Todd Haynes of the melodrama films - wow! Thanks for this video!

Thanks for this video. I have always wondered about directors who keep casting the same actors, other than the idea of having a better looking avatar. The idea that a psychic shorthand was created between them was mind-blowing.

Dennis Haysbert did wonderful job in Far From Heaven

Just seeing the variety of roles she's played in his films, and the depth of her characterizations I am reminded of what an astonishing actress she is, one of this and any generation's finest. (thank you for showing a shot of the Pharmacy seen in Magnolia, probably one of the greatest meltdowns in cinema). Far From Heaven it's probably my favorite and now may September a close second as once again Moore just chews up the screen. Love your channel: such breadth, research and insightful analysis I feel like I'm back in a college film criticism class. Well done!

I enjoy how you tell these stories even though it occurs to me at various times that I hate movies as an art form.

i thought superstar was unavailable full stop, aaah thank you!

Thank you for this great video, I always loved Julianne Moore

Best video essay ever!!!!