Far From Heaven is a film written and directed by Todd Haynes and starring Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert and Patricia Clarkson.
The movie is set in the 1950s and depicts Moore as a housewife who discovers her husband, Frank, is attracted to men and a growing interest in Raymond Deagan, her late garderner’s son. The movie draws it’s themes and inspiration from the 1950s films of Douglas Sirk.The film delves into the complexity of what is happening on the surface with what is happening beneath. Cathy’s life seems pretty ideal in the beginning of the film but as her marriage deteriorates and her friendship with the black Deagan is discovered by the racist Hartford society, she finds herself isolated with little hope of fulfilling a fulfilling life.
My favorite thing about this film is the production quality. The misé en scene, the costumes, the colors! Some of the techniques Hayne’s uses are absolutely fascinating. Haynes employs the use of green and blue lighting to set tone and shots that linger on the characters that makes the audience feel a bit uncomfortable. The use of sound is also an incredible and important part of the film. The bold, crashing and moving sound that accompanies scene transitions and dramatic scenes reminisces films of the 1950s and builds upon the drama unfolding. The expansive use of foley also serves as an homage to films of the 1950s.
Favorite Scene My favorite scene in the film comes toward the end when Cathy desperately asks Deagan about the future of their relationship- what they could be. Deagan addresses her with the same passion but cannot accept her into her life as he’s due to move to Baltimore with his young daughter who has been assaulted by white classmates and finds no logical way for him, a black man, and her, a white woman, to be together. He tells her, “I’ve learned my lesson about mixing the two worlds.” I think I enjoy this scene so much because it’s when we see Cathy’s absolute desperation for someone who understands her even in the face of her lacking reputation (because of this very relationship) and her impending divorce. She is past the point of accepting her life the way it is. I would say my favorite moment even within the scene is when Deagan reaches for a rose bush, facing away from Cathy. I found it to be a metaphor for his reaching out for her, her essence being so beautiful like the flower itself but the surrounding thorns make it dangerous, untouchable almost. This symbolism is sold home by the fact that Cathy is dressed in colors the colors of the flower- these shades of pink that stand out with the overall dark scene.
~TLDR;~
Would I Watch Again: Y E S
Shoutout to: Viola Davis (because I started the film like whoa there’s my girl Viola ~because I totally know her~)
Film’s MVP: Cathy’s makeup- honestly girl could slay that gel liner and mocha cut crease (Runner Up: Those awful uncomfortable looking poof skirts)
When Should You Watch: When ur feeling more #dramatic than you’re actual life allows
Follow Up Films: All That Heaven Allows (the Douglas Sirk film that heavily influenced this fllm right down tot he title), The Hours (just because this role, use of color somehow reminded me of Julianne Moore’s role in this film)
Nikki Knows It All 