With a resume consisting of over 70 titles with shows and films covering a wide array of subject matter, at this point, you’d think Julianne Moore would be experienced and comfortable with everything. However, in the case of her upcoming release, “What Maisie Knew,” not only did Moore adopt the challenge of delivering a particularly intense performance in the company of a six-year-old, but then she also had to appear to be a professional rock star, too.
Moore plays Susanna, a mother who loves her daughter Maisie (Onata Aprile) dearly, but is a bit more dedicated to her career as a musician. Unfortunately, Maisie’s father, Beale (Steve Coogan), is in a similar position, obligated to head out of town frequently for business trips. With two absent parents, Maisie spends most of her time with her nanny, Margo (Joanna Vanderham). While the arrangement does work, when Susanna and Beale’s relationship sours and results in a custody battle, Maisie is bounced from home to home and experiences more volatility and uncertainty than any child should.
In honor of the film’s May 3rd limited release, Moore sat down to discuss the challenge of delivering an authentic performance while ensuring Aprile felt safe and comfortable, very literally putting on her own rock show, and more. Check it all out for yourself below and be sure to catch “What Maisie Knew” in theaters tomorrow.