The Netflix original, May December, starring Julianne Moore, Charles Melton, and Natalie Portman, has caused controversy since it dramatizes a true story of a May-December affair that ended in a scandal. The film, loosely inspired by the Mary Kay Letourneau case, follows an actress getting ready to play a lady who dated her student for 23 years, who was 13 when they began.
Israeli-American Natalie Portman works as an actor, director, producer, and writer. She started her acting career at a young age, appearing in the film Leon: The Professional before becoming more well-known for her portrayal of Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Since then, Portman has had a fruitful and varied career that has brought her numerous honors and recognitions.
Real-Life Victim Slams Netflix’s May December for Exploiting Trauma Without Consent
Netflix’s May December, starring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton, has reignited a painful chapter for the real-life victim whose story loosely inspired the film. With unsettling parallels to the Mary Kay Letourneau case—in which a teacher fell in love with her 13-year-old student—the film peers a May–December romance. The real victim in the first instance, the former pupil, has, however, expressed his extreme disapproval of the movie.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Vili Fualaau claimed that,
“I’m still alive and well. If they had reached out to me, we could have worked together on a masterpiece. Instead, they chose to do a ripoff of my original story. I’m offended by the entire project and the lack of respect given to me — who lived through a real story and is still living it. I love movies — good movies.
And I admire ones that capture the essence and complications of real-life events. You know, movies that allow you to see or realize something new every time you watch them. Those kinds of writers and directors — someone who can do that — would be perfect to work with, because my story is not nearly as simple as this movie portrays.”
Vili Fualaau, the real victim, voiced his frustration at being neither contacted nor given consent by the filmmakers. He believes that the film stretches his traumatic event and only uses it for fun. Despite this, the filmmakers defend their work, saying it’s a work of fiction with no ill intent and a loose basis in truth. However, a lot of viewers identify with the victim’s worries and condemn the movie for being too insensitive and for taking advantage of a real-life tragedy.
Also read: May December Review: Three Powerhouse Performances
Important problems concerning the moral implications of dramatizing real-life events were raised by May December, especially when trauma sufferers are involved. Prioritizing the voices and viewpoints of individuals who are directly impacted by such films is essential, as is keeping in mind the potential effects on them. The film continues to face criticism for its uniqueness and exploitative nature, despite receiving accolades for its acting and philosophical exploration.
Natalie Portman’s Journey Through Hollywood Brilliance and Indie Acclaim
Natalie Portman‘s Hollywood career is a patchwork of self-reliant praise and box office success. She has skillfully negotiated the perilous terrain of child celebrity, emerging as a multifaceted performer who adroitly transitions between genres and enthralls audiences around. At a young age, Portman demonstrated her extraordinary aptitude by holding her own against more experienced and seasoned performers.
Portman shot to international prominence in 1999 when she played Queen Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The part required two distinct personas, which Portman expertly embodied: the fierce Padmé Amidala and the regal Amidala. Despite being a bankable star because of the Star Wars, Portman resisted being typecasted in the Hollywood industry.
In 2010, Portman’s unwavering commitment to her art was rewarded with a dazzling performance in Black Swan as an ambitious dancer. She received a lot of praise for the part and won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performances in movies like Jackie, Thor, and No Strings Attached won her praise from both critics and viewers, establishing her as one of Hollywood’s most esteemed actresses.
