Decoding the Meaning Behind May December: A Cinematic Perspective
Discover the intriguing origins behind the title May December Unveiling the profound meaning behind this film's name, which draws inspiration from the infamous Mary Kay Letourneau case
Just released on Netflix, May December is already sparking conversations for its thought-provoking plot points. The movie's title and its significance are fully explained as it becomes available in the US on December 1, 2023.
Here's why "May December" is the name of the film: it is loosely based on the notorious tabloid romance of a married couple, 20 years after, when a Hollywood actress meets them for research for a film about their past, causing them to buckle under pressure.
Why is May December called May December?
According to the movie’s director Todd Haynes, May December gets its name from an old term for a certain type of relationship.
In his production notes for the film [via Netflix], Haynes elaborated, "May December refers to a relationship between a younger person and someone significantly older. I found it to be a subtle way of establishing the dynamics of the film directly in the title.
The month of May has significant importance in this film as it is the setting for the events. Along with the stress and tension of an actress delving into the family's past, there is also the looming graduation of the last two kids at home, which signifies the upcoming empty nest for the couple. It all culminates in the graduation of the twins towards the end of the film.
The age gap between May and December in the movie has caused a lot of online discussion during its opening weekend. "I'm sorry to interrupt the discussion, but the backlash against calling May December funny is senseless and diminishes the movie's purpose, which was also a meta-critique of exploiting and displaying people's traumas in the name of 'art'," one user posted on X/Twitter.
"May December is approaching levels of annoying discourse similar to Call Me By Your Name, omfg," one person remarked. Another added, "I just found out that May December isn't a scandalous romance between Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, and also that 'May/December' refers to an age gap relationship, not a brief romance that only lasts a few months." May December is now streaming on Netflix. Be sure to visit our other Netflix hubs for more options.
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Editor's P/S
The film "May December" has sparked controversy and discussion due to its title and subject matter. The title refers to the age gap between the two main characters, which has caused some viewers to criticize the film for being exploitative or promoting unhealthy relationships.
The film's director, Todd Haynes, has defended the title, saying that it is meant to be a subtle way of establishing the dynamics of the film. He also said that the film is not meant to be a scandalous romance, but rather a meta-critique of exploiting and displaying people's traumas in the name of art.
Personally, I believe that the film's title is appropriate and that the film does a good job of exploring the complex issues that arise in relationships with a significant age gap. The film is not without its flaws, but I believe that it is a thought-provoking and worthwhile watch.
