Here is the trailer for Todd Haynes’ “May December.” It is set to open the 61st New York Film Festival, making its North American premiere at Alice Tully Hall, on September 29th.
Haynes is the maestro behind such acclaimed works as “Safe,” “Far From Heaven,” and “Carol.” Another female-led picture is not that surprising coming from him. His last film, 2019’s “Dark Waters,” is an underrated gem.
This latest Haynes also doesn’t feature DP Edward Lachman. You just can’t imagine a Haynes movie without Lachman’s sultry photography. The duo were set to shoot their sixth collaboration together with “May/December,” but Lachman broke his hip and wasn’t able to collaborate.
Christopher Blauvelt, a longtime collaborator of Haynes’ close friend Kelly Reichardt, stepped in to replace Lachman and he does an admirable job here.
Before its debut at Cannes, “May December” had no U.S. distribution. Then Netflix bought it for a large sum during the festival. This is the kind of kitschy, purposely campy, film that, although well reviewed, would have maybe had a tough time finding an audience at arthouse cinemas.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved this film, but Netflix buying “May December” for $11 million at least gives it a major platform. I get it, the times have changed, what’s the value of such a niche film out there in the market? Not much.
What the streaming giant will now give Haynes’ film is the biggest audience of his career but, in doing so, continue to bury the theatrical arthouse business. I suspect the fact that this film is based on the Mary Kay Letourneau story will be part of Netflix’s marketing, millions will watch it out of curiosity.
“May December” will be released in theaters on November 17th and on Netflix’s global streaming service December 1st.