Review of Far from Heaven (2002) by Jose M — 19 Feb 2010

A stellar portrayal of suburban life in the 1950's, a time in history idealized as being the pinnacle of morality and carefree living, but that nonetheless bore witness to some of the most oppressive conditions for women and minorities alike.

Julianne Moore gives what is easily the most phenomenal performance of her career, playing the wife to Dennis Quaid's well-to-do corporate heavyweight character. Things are not what they seem, for beneath the facade of perfection (the film at time plays like an episiode of Leave it to Beaver) lies a family in turmoil.

Quaid's character turns out to be a closeted homosexual, and when this becomes apparent to his wife, she seeks comfort in a friendship she develops with her black gardener, played by Dennis Haysbert.

Needless to say, once the rest of their community comes to learn what is happening, all hell does break loose. Director Todd Haynes has crafted a period piece that is as deftly satirical, as it is masterfully wrought.

Moore and Quaid are simply unmissable in these roles, and the cinematography is vibrant and colorful, in spite of the dark core of this film; this is definitely one to watch.