Far From Heaven

In 1950's Connecticut, Frank (Quaid) and Cathy (Moore) Whittaker were the perfect couple in the eyes of their friends and the local community. Known as Mr and Mrs Magnatech, the company Frank worked for, the couple were known for their exquisite parties and immaculate home. But everything wasn't as blissful as it seemed.

Precisely imitating the look and feel of a 1950s melodrama, Far From Heaven tackles issues that Hollywood would have never have touched in that bygone age.

Interracial relationships and homosexuality were probably the biggest taboos in that period and writer/director Todd Haynes has taken quite a unique approach in bringing these subjects to the screen. Instead of just making a modern movie set in the 1950s, Haynes has taken the subject matter and transplanted into the style of the films from that period. Imagine watching the same movie, dealing with these controversial issues but starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day and you get what kind of movie Haynes has tried to recreate. His attention to detail is wonderful. From the recreating the Technicolor rich look to the flawlessly designed sets, the movie captures the look and feel of a movie from that era. Even back projection is used in the driving sequences to make them look all that more authentic.

The performances are also superb. The always-outstanding Julianne Moore proves again that she is one of the best actresses around. Her understated performance captures the essence of a woman from the period exactly, showing all the glamour of the perfect hostess in public and keeping her emotions to herself even in private. Dennis Quaid gives his best performance in years as the all American husband with a dark secret. The way he slowly unravels into a violent drunk who cannot cope with what he is, the testament to Quaid's forgotten talents. Anyone who is a fan of the TV show 24 will know that Dennis Haysbert is a good actor and he excels in his part as Cathy confidant.

Even though the story is set in the 50s it is still relevant today. Issues concerning race and sexuality may not be as taboo as they were in that time but you still don't see many interracial or homosexual relationships in big budget movies as they still cause a certain amount of controversy.

Todd Haynes and his wonderful cast have created a unique cinematic experience, which has to be applauded. Even though the issues are not explored in great detail, the movies of the time were not known for their intense character development, this is a homage to the filmmakers of the time who could never have told a story like this.

Commentary with director Todd Haynes, The Making Of Far From Heaven, Filmakers Experience, Anatomy Of A Scene & Trailer

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2003