Julianne Moore Pushes Freudian Implications to Limit in ‘Savage Grace’

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CHICAGO – The national acting treasure Julianne Moore never shies away from a performance challenge. From her memorable exposure in Robert Altman’s “Short Cuts” to her willingness to go all the way in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Boogie Nights,” Moore has proven that true vulnerability in a role requires the ability to bare – and bear with – all.

Rating: 3.0/5.0

In “Savage Grace,” which is based on the true story of the eccentric Barbara Daly Baekeland, Moore once again puts the acting pedal to the metal.

Read Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Savage Grace” in our reviews section. View our full, high-resolution “Savage Grace” image gallery.

Moore plays Barbara Baekeland: the socialite wife of Brooks Baekeland (Stephen Dillane). Brooks is the heir to the Bakelite plastics fortune. With the birth of their son, Anthony (Eddie Redmayne), her wealthy lifestyle seems complete.

But signs of her early eccentricities morph into a darker psychological unraveling especially in the relationship with her son.

Barbara begins to notice Anthony’s gay awakening and tries to introduce him to women. Anthony soon takes up with a local girl near their home in Majorca, Spain. His inability to connect in the relationship leads to his father moving in on the girl.

Julianne Moore in “Savage Grace”. Photo credit: IFC Films

Eddie Redmayne (left) in “Savage Grace”. Photo credit: IFC Films

Read Patrick McDonald’s full “Savage Grace” review.