Watching FAR FROM HEAVEN is like flipping through a 50's magazine - so perfect looking in every way. Yet, as writer-director Todd Haynes subtly pointed out in the storyline, imperfections were undeniably present behind the facade of daily lives. We grew up on the adage of perfection is the goal to everything - but then, "Things Change" (so writer-director David Mamet cleverly depicted in his 1988 film of another con game study with perfect pairing, Don Ameche and Joe Mantegna). Haynes' film may be compared to Douglas Sirk's movies, but "Far From Heaven" has an unabashed approach to including cultural assertions. Watching Julianne Moore's portrayal of Cathy as a woman with timid boldness is refreshing, and her interaction with Dennis Haysbert's Raymond is sensitive revelation. The scene at the restaurant of Raymond's choice was poignant. Moore's subtle expressions and gestures, hesitant speech and pauses are simply well-attuned. Haysbert's low key portrayal befittingly complements. Then the visit - is he, will they, embrace? The train station (kinda reminds me of Claude Lelouch's "A Man and A Woman" 1966 with Jean-Louis Trintignant and Anouk Aimee, but different circumstances) - what will she do and what will be his reaction?
The 'painting' of the 50's social scenes, the family of 'perfect' husband and wife together, the household surroundings within and the neighboring gossips without - yes, all recreated to a tee. The structure of the film is engaging: turn the pages and we're back at how it began; "the beginning of an ending" in a way similar to how "City of God" (quite a different story and tempo) was presented, we advance the pages and there we are - to coin a phrase: is this "the beginning of a beautiful friendship"? It's Hollywood movies, no doubt, but made with tender sensitivity and attentive details from the heart.
Dennis Quaid as Cathy's husband Frank and the rest of the cast were fabulous: from Patricia Clarkson as Cathy's affluent friend Eleanor, Viola Davis (who gave a low key yet heart-wrenching role in Denzel Washington's "Antwone Fisher") as Sybil the housekeeper, to Celia Weston and gossiping neighbors, and the brief appearances of child actors.
If you appreciate Julianne Moore, "Far From Heaven" is a must-see (along with Stephen Daldry's "The Hours"). If you like Haynes and Moore's previous collaboration, "Safe" 1995, you will enjoy their efforts again. This may not have the discrimination impact, plot complexity and teary sadness as much as Sirk's "Imitation of Life" 1959, there are close to heavenly moments (as in the trailer) for you to catch and relish.
The 'painting' of the 50's social scenes, the family of 'perfect' husband and wife together, the household surroundings within and the neighboring gossips without - yes, all recreated to a tee. The structure of the film is engaging: turn the pages and we're back at how it began; "the beginning of an ending" in a way similar to how "City of God" (quite a different story and tempo) was presented, we advance the pages and there we are - to coin a phrase: is this "the beginning of a beautiful friendship"? It's Hollywood movies, no doubt, but made with tender sensitivity and attentive details from the heart.
Dennis Quaid as Cathy's husband Frank and the rest of the cast were fabulous: from Patricia Clarkson as Cathy's affluent friend Eleanor, Viola Davis (who gave a low key yet heart-wrenching role in Denzel Washington's "Antwone Fisher") as Sybil the housekeeper, to Celia Weston and gossiping neighbors, and the brief appearances of child actors.
If you appreciate Julianne Moore, "Far From Heaven" is a must-see (along with Stephen Daldry's "The Hours"). If you like Haynes and Moore's previous collaboration, "Safe" 1995, you will enjoy their efforts again. This may not have the discrimination impact, plot complexity and teary sadness as much as Sirk's "Imitation of Life" 1959, there are close to heavenly moments (as in the trailer) for you to catch and relish.