Far From Heaven (****)
review by Jon Waterman

Happy 1950s family life isn’t always as happy as it appears to be from the outside.  Cathy and Frank Whitaker are holding secrets from one another.  Their secrets are so devastating, that if the community found out about either of them, their social status would all but vanish.  Tensions are running high as the town starts to get wise towards this “perfect” family’s hidden problems.
 
Cathy (Julianne Moore) has become friendly with the Negro gardener, Raymond (Dennis Haysbert).  The idea of her talking to someone of that persuasion sends shockwaves throughout the town and snide remarks are made in the local newsletter.  Frank (Dennis Quaid) has discovered something about his sexuality previously suppressed.  He enjoys the company of men in what some construe as an unnatural fashion.  The joyous couple starts to feel the weight of the decisions pressing down upon them and the only way to break free from it isn’t any easier.
 
The most spectacular aspect of this film is the cinematography by Edward Lachman.  You will not see a more stunning picture this year.  The pools of unmotivated light create a wonderfully beautiful frame full of depth and multiple points of visual interest despite the lack of action.  Working together with director Todd Haynes, the two convey the emotional impact of the scenes through the colors and, in an interesting move, how visible the actors faces are.  Dialogue is not necessary to understand the looming darkness in the household, because we see it in the rich shadows and sparse highlights.
 
On the other hand, if the film were to be played out against a pure black background, we could still understand everything perfectly because the acting is so flawless.  Moore cries her eyes out, but bounces awkwardly back every time she does.  Cathy gets yelled at, talked about behind her back and occasionally respected and walks through it all with the same tough grin she carries throughout.  This is not to say her performance is one-dimensional.  Far from it.  I’m trying to demonstrate the range she shows.  Quaid also displays his marvelous mastery of the craft.  His confusion, anger, depression, and exhaustion cannot be mistaken for anything else.  The supporting cast is exquisite as well.
 
The script (written by Haynes) brings about resolutions in a rational manner rather than relying on Hollywood-like explanations. His ode to the classic melodramas comes across as a respectful tribute and honestly much better than the genre films he’s emulating.  The situations and performances and dialogue are all “far from cheesy.”  Nothing is sad because it would make the film better.  Nothing is happy because it would make the film better.  Everything happens for a reason.  All the moments seem natural and uncalculated, unless character motivation suggests otherwise.
 
“Far From Heaven” is close to perfection.

respond to jon@filmbrats.com