Far from Heaven

[+ Lucky]

The New York Times calls this new Todd Haynes movie "divine." It is set in 1957 in Hartford Connecticut and tells the story of the perfect family. Beautifully filmed, with great costumes, and a melodramatic score, we learn that daddy also wants to BE a "daddy." Perhaps in retailiation, perhaps not, his wife develops an affection for the family gardener, a handsome black man. Period 50's scenery and attitude is everywhere. The emotional struggle portrayed culminates in a not too predictable ending.

So, I liked it a lot. I am curious how others here will feel about it, particularly the closeted husband's dilemma. It is currently playing only in New York and Los Angeles.

[Guest DrBedlow]

I saw it a couple of months ago in the Toronto Int. Film Fest. It was one of my favorites. Right along with "Bowling for Columbine", "Spirited Away" and "Rabbit-Proof Fence".

 

The peformances from the leads (Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid & Dennis Haysbert) were all strong. However, the key element of the film for me was the production design and the cinematography. I've rarely seen such vivid colors used outside of an animated film or an old MGM musical. It has a life of its own. I am a huge fan of Todd Haynes' "Safe" and was glad to see that he has renewed the promise he showed in that film and missed with "Velvet Goldmine". Looking forward to it opening wider across the country to check it out again.