PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland-based film director Todd Haynes is partnering with the Hollywood Theatre for exclusive screenings of his latest film, "May December," before it debuts on Netflix.
The film, written by Samy Burch, is loosely based on the true story that gained national attention. A Washington teacher was charged with raping her 12-year old student and maintaining an inappropriate romantic relationship with him despite the legal repercussions. The initial timeline of their relationship, which took place between the months of May and December, inspired the movie title.
The melodrama film features a star-studded cast with Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, Charles Melton, Jocelyn Shelfo and Cory Michael Smith.
In late May, Netflix acquired the North American rights to the film in a $11 million deal, Deadline reported at the time. A competitive bidding war transpired after the film was shown at the Cannes Film Festival, resulting in the acquisition.
Haynes is known for many of his critically acclaimed films, such as, HBO short-series "Velvet Goldmine," "Carol," "Mildred Pierce," and "Far From Heaven." His films are typically centered around the themes of examining personalities of popular musicians, sexuality, blurred gender roles, fame, and dysfunctional and dystopian societies.
He has been lived in the Rose City since 2000, after moving to Oregon from New York. In an interview with Portland Monthly, Haynes revealed that his sister was the instrumental reason for his move and he developed an unexpected love for the city.
"I met amazing people and fell in love with the city and the climate and everything — I really dug it," Haynes said in the interview with Portland Monthly.
Haynes is known for his support of the Portland film community and he serves on the Board of Directors for the Hollywood Theatre.
Portland's Hollywood Theatre launched a fundraiser last year in an effort to purchase equipment in addition to film programming cost, in order to screen films in original formats. The fundraiser allows the theater to partner with filmmakers to provide film enthusiasts opportunities to not only view films, but to also meet with those involved in the production of them.
The film will be screened at the Hollywood Theatre from Nov. 17-19, Nov. 21, and Nov. 24-25 in 35mm format. It will be available in digital format on Nov. 17-20, Nov. 22, and Nov. 24-30. Tickets range from $10 to $12.
Following the screenings, the film will be streaming on Netflix on Dec. 1.
