Far From Heaven
|
List Price: Our Price: $1.46 You Save: $13.52 (90%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Canada
Movie Reviews of Far From Heaven
Movie Review: Flawless
Summary: 5 Stars
Todd Haynes is nothing less than amazing in his ability to conceive of and transmit a concept. This time out, he nails it. Everything about Far From Heaven is flawless, from the pastel production design and complimentary costuming (even to the rear projection for interior car scenes and the Lana-Turner-tied-back scarf) to the soundtrack and the titles. Stylistically, there's not a single jarring note; even the slicked-down hair on the males is just right. Thematically this is far darker and far deeper than the 50s models to which Haynes pays homage. It's about appalling hypocrisy (it's more acceptable to have a homosexual husband than a friend who is a man of color), about the repression of true emotion, and about the surface of things being kept clean and shiny at all times--while, underneath, emotions are simmering on their way to a boil. Particularly stunning are the scenes between the always-wonderful Moore and stalwart performer Haysbert. There is so much subtext, so much quiet courage that the viewer dares to hope for the impossible--that, just once, two people will make it past the rigid boundaries of convention. Certainly, we're left hoping that they do; just not within our viewing. Dennis Quaid does a decent turn as the hopelessly conflicted husband who wants desperately to be "normal," but can't quite manage. Julianne Moore keeps getting robbed of the awards she so richly deserves. She's not only achingly beautiful but she's profoundly gifted--bringing something new, something profound yet understated to every successive performance.Don't miss this.
My highest recommendation.
Movie Review: An Amazing Film!
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is simply amazing. I must say that I have watched it more than once since I received it the day the film was released on dvd but I could never bring myself to write a review. Moore playing her heart out to perfection as an uptight perfect housewife of the 50's to her sexually closeted homosexual husband. What erupts on the screen never stops and keeps one off ease. Moore never truly lets her emotions fly, her scenes of pain and anguish are hidden behind her china like skin and perfect hair. Haysbert and Quaid match her performance to the hilt. Quaid overly expressive and brooding as he wrestles with his emotions and Haybert as the calm and educated negro she falls for.Haynes puts the drama of the film inside the house. The house which is perfect in every way down to its monochrome couch and chairs is off set by the drama brought into the house. Moore is truly trapped here and often bottle her emotions to keep the facade admist but outside the property Moore can let go and she often does so in the comfort of Haysbert!
The final scenes of the flick can have you reaching for the tissue. Never once do Haysbert and Moore kiss but just the wave goodbye has more intimate detail and love in it than Moore's entire union with quaid. Yes this flick does copy heavily from Douglas Sirk's masterpieces like "Written on the Wind" but when it's copied from such amazing source material no one can blame a retread. "Far From Heaven" is a brilliant film and the entire cast lays out truly heart tugging performances.
Movie Review: Far From Heaven, Close to Perfection
Summary: 5 Stars
Stylish, surprisingly modern, this 50's style film unites many big themes as they roll through the landscape of Hartford suburbia in the film, "Far From Heaven". Todd Haynes recreates the somewhat dullish, over dramatic style of 50's melodramas with a well thought out, dynamic script that manages to tackle issues so relevant to today. Things are never what they seem from the outside, as his characters play pretend okay while their inner lives are being shattered at every turn. It's daring to allow them the full course of their emotions, all the while repressing them every chance they get. It's the dichotomy that drives this film, ever so successfully.
Rest assured, Julianne Moore gives the perfomance of a lifetime in the role of Cathy Whittaker. Every bit the proper, refined housewife, Julianne manages to take a role that could very easily be overacted, and gives her dignity and control and a sense of vulnerability all at the same time. Her range and skill as a performer leads me to see films that she is in simply because she is in them, and I cannot say that about many other actors. Dennis Quaid and Patricia Clarkson also wallop their roles wonderfully.
Todd Haynes' "Far From Heaven" should have been more heavily lauded from critics and audiences, and Oscars alike. This is one film that will remain as a hallmark of invention for years to come.
Movie Review: Far from true but, a beautiful movie anyway
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't think, in reality, that the 50's era was all that innocent. After all, homosexuals and negroes have always been with us. Like, June Cleaver cleaned her TV house wearing pearls and a skirt, stocking, heels, and a neat sweater set and perfectly styled hair with pearl earrings. Have you every seen your mother clean the house all dressed up? Of course not, because it's make believe. Like the movies, or anything for that matter. It's all a facade. But, that's why we go to the movies, to get away from reality, were the people are pretty and dressed nice and are polite to each other, throw in some melodrama and you got some good popcorn munching entertainment. And the handsome black man in this movie had his own business, was well dressed, well spoken, a widower, with a young daughter. He was probably lonely, missing his wife, and he meets a lovely, well spoken white women, who is also lonely, missing her husband. They have similiar interests, he pays attention to her, maybe going to the all black lounge was a bad idea, they should have gone somewhere else. They could have been more discreet, but then, we wouldn't have the melodrama. Loved the fashions from that era, women actually looked like woman. Loved the cars, too. Just take this for what it is, not social commentary, just pure entertainment. Don't over analyze, just enjoy.Movie Review: Not far from Heaven!
Summary: 5 Stars
Julianne Moore gives a fabulous performance as Cathy Whitaker, a housewife in Connecticut in 1957. She has a successful husband, Frank (Dennis Quaid, in an equally fantastic portrayal), and two children. She has a normal, perfect life. Or so she thinks. One night, she discovers a dark secret of her husband's. Shocked, Cathy stands by him as he sees a doctor for help. Through this difficult time, she seeks some comfort in her gardener, Raymond Deagan (Dennis Haysbert). They are seen talking to each other and in his car together, which causes a major stir since Raymond is black. Soon there is whispering all around the town. As her life seems to be falling apart, she receives another devastating blow, that has her thinking more about Raymond, who she has romantic feelings for.Far From Heaven is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The cinematography & backdrop of the film is gorgeous, the script is wonderful (the dialogue sounds just like it would have in the 1950s) and the acting is superb. Both Julianne Moore and Dennis Quaid gave marvelous and outstanding performances as people with secret desires.
The DVD also features some nice extras, like commentary and a special look at the making and filming of the movie.
If you haven't seen Far From Heaven, you are missing out on a stunning and poignant movie. This is a must see.