MOVIE - FAR FROM HEAVEN - $$$$$ $$$$ (OUT OF 10)
STARRING - Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson & Viola Davis.
DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER - TODD HAYNES (Safe, Velvet Goldmine, Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story & Poison)
An exploration of the simmering tensions boiling up under the serene surface texture of 1950's America.
If you truly want to understand the 1960's you must fully comprehend the 1950's. The idyllic nature of the decade, often fondly remembered as a simpler time, actually masked disparity and tension (emotional, sexual & race related) in a facade of conformity that Martha Stewart would die for.
Far From Heaven blows the lid off of the "fond memories playing havoc with reality". Artfully turning 50's convention on itself the movie skillfully mocks the contrived reality.
Far From Heaven is a luscious production. There is ample, but not excessive use, of cinematography to emphasize the film's underlying message. Sexiness is exuded in scenes where the actors keep their clothes on.
I'm not a big fan of Julianne Moore but she does a wonderful job in Far From Heaven. Denis Quaid matches her performance, step for step, a portrayal that may well earn him an Oscar nomination.
The title, Far From Heaven, accurately portrays the message of the film not its quality. This potential Academy Award Winner, in several categories, is a MUST SEE.
FULL REVIEW AND LINKS TO ALTERNATIVE REVIEWS
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