Far from Heaven (2002)

Genre

Drama

Director

Todd Haynes

Country

USA | France

Cast

Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson, Viola Davis, James Rebhorn, Michael Gaston, Celia Weston, Barbara Garrick, Bette Henritze, June Squibb, Ryan Ward, Lindsay Andretta, Jordan Puryear, J.B. Adams, Olivia Birkelund

Storyline

Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) is the perfect 50s housewife, living the perfect 50s life: healthy kids, successful husband, social prominence. Then one night she surprises her husband Frank (Dennis Quaid) kissing another man, and her tidy world starts spinning out of control. In her confusion and grief, she finds consolation in the friendship of their African-American gardener, Raymond Deagan (Dennis Haysbert).

Opinion

I really had high hopes for this film based on the plot, on the cast, and on the Oscar nominations received. Unfortunately it was a huge disappointment.

While the photography, the set decoration, and the colour are excellent, and the musical score by Elmer Bernstein is outstanding, the film turned out to be a waste of time.

Dull at some points, Far from Heaven not only doesn't have an original idea, but it also deals with two major issues - homosexuality and interracial relationship - in a very shallow way. And God, so much could have been made with those two.

Living in a world full of prejudice, both Cathy and Frank go against the mainstream, the first having a colour-blind heart in a white world, the second being homosexual in a bigot society. Still, instead of supporting each other - they are wife and husband after all - they are disgusted from each other.

Fortunately, the acting is great. Julianne Moore gives a stunning, and touching performance as Cathy Whitaker, and really deserves the acclaim she's received for this role. Dennis Quaid gives a fantastic performance as Cathy's husband - definitely his best performance. Dennis Haysbert is also fantastic as Cathy's gardener. Patricia Clarkson gives a delightful performance as Cathy's friend.

That was the day I stopped believing in the wild ardor of things. Perhaps in love, as well. That kind of love. The love in books and films. The love that tells us to abandon our lives and plans, all for one brief touch of Venus. So often we fail at that kind of love. The world just seems too fragile a place for it. And of every other kind, life remains full. Perhaps it's just we who are too fragile. - Cathy Whitaker