Actress Julianne Moore discusses her role in Jesse Eisenberg's 'The Debut,' her approach to acting, and her upcoming return to the stage.
Key facts
- •Jesse Eisenberg wrote the role of Mona in 'The Debut' specifically for Julianne Moore.
- •Moore is set to star in Sarah Ruhl’s 'Faydra' at the Manhattan Theatre Club in February.
- •In the 1990s, Moore’s career was shaped by independent films like 'Safe,' which had a production budget of $1 million.
- •Moore’s mother did not attend college initially because her parents only sent her brother, though she later attended after having children.
- •Moore describes her process as following her own interests as they arise rather than pursuing a singular, pre-planned path.
Actress Julianne Moore stars as Mona in the new film 'The Debut,' a role written specifically for her by director Jesse Eisenberg. The film follows a New Jersey mother who joins a community theater production, leading to an absurdist exploration of performance. Moore, known for her intense emotional portrayals, describes the project as a highlight of her career.
By the numbers
Collaborating on The Debut
Moore recalls being moved to tears upon first reading the script for 'The Debut' at her dining room table. In the film, her character Mona squares off against a director played by Paul Giamatti. Moore notes that Eisenberg helped alleviate the pressure of a pivotal eight-page scene by offering a teleprompter, which ultimately allowed her to memorize the lines naturally.
Career Evolution and Theater Return
Reflecting on her career, Moore credits the independent film movement of the 1990s—specifically projects like 'Safe' and 'Vanya on 42nd Street'—with providing her early opportunities. She is currently preparing to return to the stage for the first time in 20 years, starring in Sarah Ruhl’s 'Faydra' at the Manhattan Theatre Club in February. Her upcoming work also includes an adaptation of 'The Joy of Sex' and a role in Tom Ford’s 'Cry to Heaven'.
Perspectives on Aging and Acting
Moore rejects the concept of 'aging gracefully,' noting that aging is an inevitable fact of life. She emphasizes that the experiences and emotions of older people remain just as significant as those of younger individuals. Regarding her craft, she explains that she is able to conjure characters from within herself, noting that even her most complex or reprehensible roles remain with her long after filming.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Elle.
