Oh boy.... I find it really difficult to judge this movie... Before watching this, I only heard tremendous things about it (according to Roger Ebert, it was one of the best movies coming out in 2002), so I had some huge expectations. Unfortunately, I was a little bit disappointed. I mean, I'm not really familiar with Todd Haynes' work (as a matter of fact, it is the only movie he directed I have s... read more
Description:Julianne Moore and Dennis Quaid star in this seductive story of one seemingly perfect family and the forbidden desires that threaten to tear them apart.
The model marriage of Frank (Dennis Quaid) and Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) in 1950s Hartford is depicted in television ads, and a magazine features photographs of Cathy as a modeJulianne Moore and Dennis Quaid star in this seductive story of one seemingly perfect family and the forbidden desires that threaten to tear them apart.
The model marriage of Frank (Dennis Quaid) and Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) in 1950s Hartford is depicted in television ads, and a magazine features photographs of Cathy as a model homemaker and citizen. Yet, behind the curtains of their dream home, Cathy and Frank hide scandalous secrets. Frank has been masquerading his homosexuality and is seeing a doctor for a heterosexual conversion. Meanwhile, Cathy finds solace in her gardener, Raymond (Dennis Haysbert), a black man about whom Cathy must conceal her growing feelings, since simply being seen with him is cause for scandal. Filmmaker Douglas Sirk employed the trappings of the melodrama to satirize and criticize narrow minds in the 1950s status quo with films such as ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS. Todd Haynes (SAFE) uses Sirk's highly stylized universe to critique society half a century later in FAR FROM HEAVEN. The film uses thematic elements of Sirk's such as isolating characters through windows and vivid, symbolic colors and flowers. It also applies Sirkian plot devices such as gossiping neighbors and demonizing television. Attacking prejudice, Haynes' methods are particularly effective as he uses an antiquated style of filmmaking to shed light on societal problems that are pervasive even in the 21st Century.
"1st viewing, PC
7 March 2013
Director: Todd Haynes
Another Haynes + Julianne Moore collaboration I watched today. Not nearly as good as Safe and the topics are just way too washed-out. Still, an entertaining watch.
"
BradWesley123 added this to a list 2 months, 2 weeks ago
"viewed: August 24, 2012
This movie was sad, but not especially touch me.
I love Julianne Moore, but I absolutely didn't like she in this 'old' version."
“Oh boy.... I find it really difficult to judge this movie... Before watching this, I only heard tremendous things about it (according to Roger Ebert, it was one of the best movies coming out in 2002), so I had some huge expectations. Unfortunately, I was a little bit disappointed. I mean, I'm not really familiar with Todd Haynes' work (as a matter of fact, it is the only movie he directed I have seen so far) but I must admit it was really well directed with some terrific set design and costums. Furthermore, there was a top-notch cast (Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson, Viola Davis) and they all gave some terrific performances. The only issue I had was that the story didn't really blow me away. I mean, it was interesting, that's for sure, but still not quite f” read more
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