Julianne Moore Loves Writing Her Own Narrative

Is it just me or is Julianne Moore the next Meryl Streep? There's no doubt that she's a rare and gifted actress, and that's more apparent than ever this awards season with her powerful performance in Still Alice for which she's already won both a SAG Award and a Critics Choice Award and has been nominated for an Academy Award. But beyond that, she's also an honest and genuine personality. As the cover star of the Feb. 6 issue of The Hollywood Reporter, Julianne Moore gave an illuminating interview about her struggles when she was younger and revealed that she doesn't believe in god. Her interview is a refreshing account of her spiritual journey, something I feel celebrities don't often address — at least not to express their atheism.

The 54-year-old actress spoke about coming to her resolution that she doesn't believe in god when she dealt with her mother's death a few years ago:

I learned when my mother died five years ago that there is no "there" there. Structure, it's all imposed. We impose order and narrative on everything in order to understand it. Otherwise, there's nothing but chaos.

Though it's a perspective that could alienate some, I appreciate Moore's candor — as objectively as I can, since I fully agree with her.

The thought that there is not structure or order to the universe is a comforting one to Moore, because it allows an individual more control of their own life. Of her success, Moore said humbly:

The idea that you're the center of your own narrative and that you can create your life is a great idea. I totally believe it. I've been really lucky, but I feel I've completely created my own life.

It's a simple philosophy but a profound one. Moore has made an incredible career for herself and it's one that she should take credit for. And what's wrong with that? It's a contrast to what we often see in awards acceptances speeches — actors, directors, and so on often thank god for their achievements and luck. It's not to say that they shouldn't do this — of course they should express themselves as they see fit — but Moore's departure from that, lending an atheist perspective, is great to hear, as well. And her thoughts on creating your own story are encouraging.

Moore also spoke about how therapy awakened her to realize she needed to invest as much energy into her personal life as she did into her career, and it changed her life. It's Moore's hard work, persistence and belief in herself to forge her own path makes her atheism not dark, but rather hopeful.

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