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Far From Heaven (2002)

Far From Heaven (2002)
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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, Rovi

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Starring:
Julianne MooreDennis Quaid, (more)
Director(s):
Todd Haynes
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG13
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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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, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
108 mins

Complete Cast of Far From Heaven


Director(s):
Todd Haynes
Writer(s):
Todd Haynes
Producer(s):
Jody PattonChristine Vachon
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG13(Not For Children, Sexual Situations, Mild Violence, Adult Situations, Adult Language)
Far From Heaven Awards:
  • 2003 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Actress
  • 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actor
  • 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Director
  • 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Cinematography
  • 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Original Score
  • 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Actress
  • 2002 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Picture
  • 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Supporting Actor
  • 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Director
  • 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Picture
  • 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Cinematography
  • 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Actress
  • 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Production Design (Runner-up)
  • 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actress
  • 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Musical Score
  • 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Cinematography
  • 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Picture (Runner-up)
  • 2002 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director (Runner-up)
  • 2002 - National Board of Review - Best Actress
  • 2002 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Supporting Actress
  • 2002 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Director
  • 2002 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Picture
  • 2002 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actress
  • 2002 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Cinematography
  • 2002 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actor
  • 2002 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Actress
  • 2002 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actor [Runner-up]
  • 2002 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Director [Runner-up]
  • 2002 - Venice International Film Festival - Volpi Cup for Best Actress
  • 2002 - Venice International Film Festival - Prize for Most Outstanding Individual Contribution
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Member Reviews
 
Latisha D.

This movie was quite enjoyable. The 50's setting and beautiful scenery was very pleasant to watch all throughout the movie. The issues in the movie were realistic and I like the way the issues were portrayed. The acting was smooth and believable and even the ending was realistic. This movie kind of draws you in and you can't stop watching it.

Yes   |   No

 
Joshua G.

I loved this movie. It made several points that I was glad to see made. It was not only timely of the fifties or sixties but obviously even now. And Martha, the gay lifestyle was not "pushed on you" in this film. Obviously you need to watch it again to get the point. Do you realize that virtually every movie made contains heterosexual relationships of some kind? Now THAT is pushing a lifestyle. Get over it.

Yes   |   No

 
JUDI K.

A period piece and more. It is simpler to re-create the visuals of this time, but more difficult (yet totally worth of the effort) to re-create the feeling of living in this time. The music, wardrobe, camera motions and, sadly, the rascism that festered everywhere, was genuine, and more importantly, relevant. When we personally reminisce about the past, we are apt to envision simplistic and warm memories . As we witness their lives unfolding we are initially lulled into believing our own mis-perceptions about the past. But, this film begins to shift our misperceptions of reality by letting us live the social dynamics that do not not differ greatly from the fundamental issues faced by us living in the 21st century. We are treated to a raw display of human drama played out in an era that has passed. Do we really miss the good old days? Have we really evolved?

Yes   |   No

 
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