Far From Heaven [DVD]

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.

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.

It highlights how our attitudes have changed in the last 50 years towards sexuality and its complexities.

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!