Far from Heaven (2002)

See All Available Formats

Synopsis of Far from Heaven

Maverick director Todd Haynes embraces the look and feel of classic Hollywood melodramas of the 1950s in this period drama. Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) and her husband, Frank (Dennis Quaid), are a seemingly perfect couple; living in a handsome suburban neighborhood in Hartford, CT, in 1957, Cathy and Frank have a beautiful home and two happy, healthy children, while Frank pursues a successful career in sales and Cathy cares for the home. But Cathy has begun to sense something isn't quite right in her marriage, as Frank begins working late, spending less time with her, and seems cold and distant. One day, Cathy visits Frank's work and discovers something she never expected -- her husband is kissing a man. At Cathy's urging, Frank undergoes psychotherapy, but as she tries to keep up a brave face, the emotional trauma takes a great toll on her, and she finds there are very few people she can talk with. Cathy strikes up a friendship with Raymond Deagan (Dennis Haysbert), an African-American gardener who works for the Whitakers, and as she discovers how intelligent and compassionate Raymond is, she finds herself drawn to him. However, Hartford is in many ways still a small town, and when Mona (Celia Weston) sees Cathy and Raymond alone together, it sets off a wave of vicious gossip that threatens to make the Whitakers' many secrets public knowledge. Far from Heaven premiered at the 2002 Venice Film Festival, where Julianne Moore's performance won the prize for Best Actress. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

108 mins

Complete Cast of Far from Heaven

Director(s):

Todd Haynes

Writer(s):

Todd Haynes

Producer(s):

Jody Patton, Christine Vachon

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

PG13(Adult Language, Mild Violence, Not For Children, Adult Situations, Sexual Situations)

Categories:

Drama

• 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Original Score
• 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actor
• 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Cinematography
• 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Actress
• 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Picture
• 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Director
• 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Supporting Actor
• 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Cinematography
• 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director (Runner-up)
• 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Musical Score
• 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Picture (Runner-up)
• 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Production Design (Runner-up)
• 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Cinematography
• 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 2002 - National Board of Review - Best Actress
• 2002 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Supporting Actress
• 2002 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Cinematography
• 2002 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Picture
• 2002 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actress
• 2002 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Director
• 2002 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actor
• 2002 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 2002 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Director [Runner-up]
• 2002 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actor [Runner-up]
• 2002 - Venice International Film Festival - Volpi Cup for Best Actress
• 2002 - Venice International Film Festival - Prize for Most Outstanding Individual Contribution

Looking for special editions of Far from Heaven?

See All Versions

Subtitles:

Check All Versions

Closed Captioning:

Check All Versions