Far From Heaven

What's the Plot?

Middle America. The suburb's of Connecticut in the 1950's. A time when the American Dream was being lived to the max. One such couple living this "dream" is Cathy (Julianne Moore) and Frank (Dennis Quaid) Whitaker. They are well-liked and respected by all they know and are seen as happily married. However, things are not as they seem and Cathy finds that her world starts to fall apart. Her husband Frank is not who she believed him to be and has been leading a double life - one that would be definitely frowned upon during that time. As their happy facade starts to crumble, Cathy finds herself turning to an unlikely source for comfort : a source that would also be frowned upon for that time. As her friendship with black gardener Raymond (Dennis Haysbert) continues to flourish, the rumour and gossip mills' begin to turn and Cathy and Frank head for a life as social outcasts.

Raymond (Dennis Haysbert)

The Review

The surprising thing about "Far From Heaven" is how good it is, especially when compared to the things that are being successfully served up to audiences world-wide nowadays. If you were to read the plot, you would be reminded of the films' from a time long gone - the kind that appear on daytime TV that seem a little too slow and a little too repressed to hold your attention. However, it's this reflection upon more subtle and character-driven movie-making that puts it out from the rest of the pack. Engagement comes from different means : there's no action, violence etc. to draw us into the storyline.

Frank (Dennis Quaid)

What we have here is essentially a period piece but without corsets, horses and old English dialogue but the age old "repressed / forbidden love" still manages to push through to the fore. What is effective in hooking the audience's attention is the cast who in some cases, literally pull the rabbit out of the hat. This surprise in acting ability goes to Dennis Quaid who's lite appearances in such flicks as Innerspace and Dragon Heart leads you into a false sense of security until his "secret" leads him down the road to alcohol and abusive tendencies and some downright solid acting. Julianne Moore as always is the very best that you could hope for, and like the William H. Macy's of the cinema screen, carry off the whole movie even though they are normally consigned to supporting roles

Cathy (Julianne Moore) with Raymond (Dennis Haysbert)

This year sees Moore in that category for the Oscars - Best Supporting Actress for The Hours - but also, and deservedly so, for Best Actress for this role. A long time coming, she will have more of a chance for her Supporting Role than her Lead nomination, but like Far From Heaven, it's something that deserves attention. And it just goes to show that no matter how far we think we've progressed, there will always be a dangerous mentality from some people with regards to the subjects of sex and race.