Podcast Summary: The New Yorker Radio Hour – Julianne Moore Explains What She Needs in a Film Director

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, hosted by David Remnick and produced by WNYC Studios in collaboration with The New Yorker, legendary actress Julianne Moore delves deep into her illustrious career, her collaborations with renowned directors, and her nuanced approach to acting. Released on December 31, 2024, the episode offers listeners an intimate look into Moore's artistic journey, her working relationships, and personal insights.

Julianne Moore's Career and Directorial Collaborations

Julianne Moore begins by enumerating the impressive list of directors she has worked with over her career, including Robert Altman, Todd Haynes, Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Spielberg, the Coen Brothers, Ridley Scott, Alfonso Cuarón, Pedro Almodóvar, and more. She highlights her recent collaboration with Almodóvar in his first English-language feature, The Room Next Door, co-starring Tilda Swinton.

*Moore discusses how her film career, which didn't commence until her 30s after years in television, was serendipitously transformed by working with directors like Altman and Haynes. She reflects:

"It was just this weird confluence of opportunity and I suddenly had this film career." (03:23)

The Importance of a Director’s Point of View

Moore emphasizes the critical role a director's point of view plays in her decision to work on a project. She appreciates directors who are visionaries and auteurs, noting:

"I think that, I mean, the most important thing about a director is, is point of view." (04:39)

She values directors who not only visualize their stories distinctively but also often write their own scripts, allowing for a cohesive narrative vision. This alignment in storytelling and expression is what draws her to collaborate repeatedly with certain directors.

Acting Process and Self-Reflection

Unlike some actors who avoid watching their performances, Moore finds value in playback during the shooting process. She explains:

"Playback helps me adjust. Storyboards are fantastic. I like to look through, you know, like, through the lens." (06:12)

This approach allows her to understand her positioning within each frame and make necessary adjustments in real-time, enhancing her performance without dwelling on the final product.

Working Methods with Directors

Moore discusses her preference for directors who are well-prepared and have a clear vision. She expresses frustration when directors lack structure, stating:

"When they don't have a shot list. That's really, really hard... It feels too general to me, actually." (08:09)

Contrastingly, she praises directors like Robert Altman for their ability to balance structure with creative freedom. Reflecting on Altman's approach, she shares:

"There was this incredible shape to it with the way he was shooting it and with language... he always created a boundary." (09:00)

Personal Background and Influences

Addressing a comment about her military-influenced demeanor, Moore clarifies her upbringing and personal traits:

"I love structure because I think that I can do all that kind of stuff. And then when the camera's rolling, I'm free." (12:14)

Her father’s military background instilled in her a love for structure, which she contrasts with the creative freedom she enjoys on set.

Early Career in Television

Moore reflects on her early acting days on the soap opera As the World Turns, describing the experience as a rigorous training ground:

"It's really, really fast, and you learn to be prepared, know your lines, know what you want to accomplish..." (13:51)

Watching her early performances critically helped her develop a more relaxed and natural acting style over time.

Insights into Specific Films

Safe and May December are highlighted as significant projects in Moore’s career. Discussing a scene from Safe, she elaborates on her character's struggle with consumerism-induced malaise:

"Everything that tells her who she is makes her sick, and she doesn't know why." (17:00)

In May December, she talks about incorporating a lisp into her character to signify her protagonist’s self-perception as a child and a princess, thereby adding depth to her portrayal:

"I wanted it to be a signifier of how she thought of herself. This is a person who thinks of herself as a child and thinks of herself as a princess." (18:40)

Personal Interests

Transitioning to lighter topics, Moore shares her appreciation for basketball and the New York Knicks, attributing her interest to her family's fandom:

"What I love about watching basketball is that you can see their faces and there is so much drama." (22:11)

She appreciates the emotional exposure and drama inherent in basketball, finding it more captivating compared to other sports.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Remnick expressing gratitude to Julianne Moore for her insightful conversation. Moore's reflections offer a profound understanding of her dedication to her craft, her selective collaborations with visionary directors, and her continuous quest to explore the depths of human emotion through her roles.

Notable Quotes

• Moore on Director’s Point of View:
  “I think that, I mean, the most important thing about a director is, is point of view.” (04:39)

• Moore on Playback:
  “Playback helps me adjust. Storyboards are fantastic. I like to look through, you know, like, through the lens.” (06:12)

• Moore on Structure and Creativity:
  “I love structure because I think that I can do all that kind of stuff. And then when the camera's rolling, I'm free.” (12:14)

• Moore on Character Development in May December:
  “I wanted it to be a signifier of how she thought of herself. This is a person who thinks of herself as a child and thinks of herself as a princess.” (18:40)

Final Thoughts

Julianne Moore's candid discussion provides invaluable insights into the symbiotic relationship between an actor and a director. Her emphasis on a director's distinct vision, combined with her methodical approach to acting, underscores the essence of effective collaboration in filmmaking. For aspiring actors and enthusiasts alike, this episode serves as both an inspiration and a guide to navigating the complexities of the film industry.