A perfect depiction of imperfection...
"Far From Heaven" is simultaneously a gorgeous
love story, a condemnation and celebration of
the 1950's, an analysis of old Hollywood, and a
mourning of the cinematic beauty that has been
lost from that town over the years. It is the
best film I've seen so far this year and I
highly recommend that you seek it out in art
house theatres over the coming weeks.
Fashioned after Douglas Sirk's female driven
films of the 1950's, most notably 'All That
Heaven Allows' and 'Imitation of Life', Todd
Haynes' masterpiece feels and plays like a
motion picture from that era. The rich and
saturated colors and the famous faces of Moore,
Quaid and Haysbert are the only clues that
distinguish it from appearing like a long-lost
50's classic. This is one of the most
aesthetically beautiful films of the past
decade. I truly hope the Oscars remember Todd
Haynes' work next Spring.
I have given up trying to capture Julianne
Moore's brilliance with words... it is simply
not possible to describe how wonderful I think
she is. I am in love with her work. She is
magnificent here as the woman whose facade of
perfection is slowly crumbling, all the while
experiencing an unrequited love that is
heartbreaking to watch. Opposite Moore is an
equally powerful Dennis Haysbert as the kindly
and sensitive gardener who captures her heart.
The two of them are stunning to watch together.
Dennis Quaid also turns out his best performance
in years as the alcoholic and sexually confused
husband who is slowly distancing himself from
his family. Top to bottom, this is a stunning
cast!
This film has the ability to make you smile and
cry, sometimes simultaneously, with heartbreak
and affection for these wonderful people who
find a connection against all the odds.
This is a film with an overflowing heart.
It is not really possible for me to recommend a
film any more than this one.
It is assuredly one of the very best films I
have ever seen.
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
This is one
of those films that reminds you of the racial
gap still present in Hollywood. It's utterly
amazing that Dennis Haysbert is not one of
Hollywood's biggest names. He's marvelous here,
along with Julianne Moore and the resurgent
Dennis Quaid. I've never been able to put my
finger on it, but there's something missing from
this film for me and I've re-watched the film
twice trying to catch it. Something's missing,
and an awesome film can not quite achieve
perfection for me.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
