‘The Debut’ Explodes at Telluride With Julianne Moore’s Gonzo, Career-Best Turn, Thanks to Bananas, Unlit Cigarettes and a Faux Musical

Jesse Eisenberg's third feature film, The Debut, world premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. The movie focuses on community theater and is described by Eisenberg as autobiographical, drawing from his own early stage experiences. The plot centers on a nobody who approaches a bit part with extreme intensity. Julianne Moore delivers a career-best, gonzo performance in the film, which utilizes unique elements like unlit cigarettes and a faux musical to create its distinct atmosphere.