Julianne Moore has stirred up some controversy online by stating her dislike for films with “explosions and guns.” In a recent chat at the Cannes Film Festival during the Kering Women in Motion Talk, the 65-year-old actress shared her evolving preferences about the types of movies she wants to be in, which led to a significant backlash. She mentioned, “I’m less and less interested in tragedy.”
Moore elaborated that it’s challenging to engage with stories that feel superficial, particularly amidst the difficult times the world currently faces. “You feel like the emotional depth isn’t in line with what we’re experiencing globally, and I prefer not to be part of that,” she said.
As she discussed reading scripts and watching other films, she remarked on noticing the presence of “stakes,” emphasizing, “I don’t like easy stakes.” Her statement reflecting a dislike for violence continued: “I don’t like people being killed. I’m not a fan of explosions or guns. Such things create noise that bothers me. I prefer genuine emotions over chaotic scenes.”
Following her remarks, many fans on social media reacted negatively, pointing out the irony in her comments considering her past roles in films featuring violence. One user quipped, “I can’t count how many movies she’s made with guns,” while another noted, “It’s amusing how artists forget their catalogs until it’s time to signal.”
Yet, not everyone was critical. Some defended her stance, with comments like, “Julianne Moore chose emotion over chaos, which is why she is respected around the world.” Another person voiced a sentiment for more family-friendly movies, saying, “There’s enough violence in the world! Let’s prioritize good family values in films!”
This isn’t the first time Moore has faced backlash. She previously encountered criticism related to her film “May December,” where she dealt with a storyline that parallels real-life events linked to a controversial relationship.
Despite the criticism, Moore, speaking with Entertainment Tonight, maintained that during filming, the director emphasized the originality of the story they were creating together, ensuring the characters were distinct and multifaceted.
A multiple Academy Award nominee, including a win for her role in “Still Alice,” Moore attended the Cannes Film Festival to receive the Kering Women in Motion Award, which recognizes women’s contributions to society and film.
