![Far From Heaven [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/B1tFvxQlvpS.jpg)
Product Description Todd Haynes' tale of 1950s prejudices in America. Housewife Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) thinks she has the perfect set-up; two children, a successful husband (Dennis Quaid) and a house in the suburbs. But this vision is shattered one night when she surprises her husband at work and finds him in the arms of another man. Not able to tell anyone in her social circle, she finds solace with their African-American gardener, Raymond (Dennis Haysbert). However, when they are seen alone together by Cathy's best friend (Celia Weston) - a social taboo in that era - the gossip begins and this threatens to reveal the Whitaker's secret life. From .co.uk Far from Heaven is a uniquely beautiful film from one of the smartest and most idiosyncratic of contemporary directors, Todd Haynes (Safe and Velvet Goldmine). It takes the lush 1950s visual style of so-called women's pictures (particularly those of Douglas Sirk, director of Imitation of Life and Magnificent Obsession) to tell a story that mixes both sexual and racial prejudice. Julianne Moore, portraying an amazing fusion of vulnerability and will power, plays a housewife whose husband (Dennis Quaid) has a secret gay life. When she finds solace in the company of a black gardener (Dennis Haysbert), rumours and peer pressure destroy any chance she has at happiness. It's astonishing how a movie with such a stylised veneer can be so emotionally compelling; the cast and filmmakers have such an impeccable command of the look and feel of the genre that every moment is simultaneously artificial and deeply felt. Far from Heaven is ingenious and completely engrossing. --Bret Fetzer P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); From the Back Cover In the Fall of 1957 in Connecticut, Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) is returning home from a day of errands. Her husband, Frank (Dennis Quaid), is expected home for a dinner engagement. Theres only one problem, no one has heard from Frank all afternoon. What begins as a curious snapshot of 1950s American values is soon transformed into a tangle of competing conflicts, igniting Cathys friendships with her formidable gardener, Raymond (Dennis Haysbert), her plucky best friend and her maid. As secrets are revealed, Cathy is faced with choices that spur hatred and gossip within the community. See more
R**Y
Heaven
Is this the greatest American film of the "Noughties"? There Will Be Blood might have something to say about that, but Far From Heaven is as damn near to a perfect piece of filmmaking you'll ever see. Todd Haynes would go on to create the solid TV adaptation of Mildred Pierce across five hours. Here, in 100 minutes, he tells a more profound, focused, and affecting story about how so-called civilised society restricts the individual's ability to self-actualise.1950s Connecticut. Julianne Moore plays the committed housewife, Cathy. Her husband is Frank, played by Dennis Quaid. Together they are Mr and Mrs Magnatech. When Kathy stumbles upon Frank kissing a man, their perfect facade begins to crumble. Frank seeks a "cure"; Kathy seeks solace and comfort in her black gardener, Raymond (Dennis Haysbert); while the world around them seeks salacious gossip.The elegance with which these strands play off each other is romantic, poetic, even operatic. Haynes' script and direction, and the performances, mimic the melodramatic style of the films of the period in which this one is set - the socially conscious films of Douglas Sirk and Max Ophuls are obvious stylistic and thematic inspirations. This is not a film without humour, but the humour is never ironic. Never does Haynes mock the past or wink at the audience of the present.It may take time to adjust to the heightened performances - remember this is a style of medium-shot filmmaking from a former time, before these days of close-ups and naturalistic acting. There is detail in the work of Moore, Quaid, and Haysbert (look closely at the almost imperceptible change in Raymond's eyes as Kathy bids him farewell outside the movie theatre) - but there is just as much drama in the film's stunning cinematography, and in its bold use of lighting and colour, including the beautiful costumes. It's a film that could practically function without dialogue. It is also a film that should endure for another 50 years, and beyond.
D**S
Just beyond the fall of grace...behold that ever shining place
I came to this film having seen Carol at the cinema and been blown away by the emotional authenticity of it, so I wanted to see more of Todd Haynes' work.This film certainly wasn't a disappointment. Like Carol and, as I have learned, many of Haynes' other films, the style harks back to the films of the fifties, and especially those of Douglas Sirk (I haven't seen any of Sirk's films but am intrigued to watch some now). The detail and feel of the period is amazing and the film is a visual treat. From the opening shot to the closing one you are gently drifted into this world to glimpse a little of the character's lives and 'beyond the surface of things', before being left wanting to see more, having been touched by what you have seen.The style may seem melodramatic, and it is, unashamedly, but it is the emotional authenticity that is the real power of the film and keeps it grounded. To see issues of race and homosexuality explored in a gentle yet honest and powerful way was a refreshing and welcome experience, and an antidote to many more gritty offerings seen today (of no less merit necessarily, but those that one has become more accustomed to). In fact, there is a certain power that this long forgotten style, and therefore it's originality amongst modern genres, gives these issues.It helps that there is a tremendous cast on offer. Truly fantastic actors all on fine form, and a wonderful score too.It was a pleasure to watch this film. A moving, honest and, despite the heightened style, authentic experience.
M**N
Three Stars
It highlights how our attitudes have changed in the last 50 years towards sexuality and its complexities.
S**L
Visually pleasing
This film is visually pleasing, beautiful autumnal colours - trees and the clothes...but I would give it 0 for the story lineI wonder if anyone else has noticed certain similarities to All That Heaven Allows? An older but far superior film for me personally...with a much better ending! Does the local gossip have the same name in both films?This film is about a perfect American family living in New England during the 1950s (the type that was depicted by the advertising agencies at the time no doubt) until the 'cracks' start to show, the husband (Dennis Quaid) is living a lie...so that's what they used to do then is it, triedtalking them out of it and if that didn't work, then electric shock treatment?I won't be watching it again...if I want to see New England in the fall I will either visit or watch it on Youtube!
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