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Far From Heaven

Once I got my first look at the camera panning to the glorious beauty of Autumn's ripe, rich and robust colors of the maple tree in picture perfect detail I was in Heaven. Without hesitating this movie has a remarkable gift in the way it stunningly surrounds itself with the intoxicating beauty of nature.

There is so much information in this movie speaking to you through the use of cinematography, direction, costumes, and the wonderful music. The music brings you to times of happiness and sorrow, with such a rush of emotional spirit haunting each feeling the characters are experiencing.

Far From Heaven is set in 1957 Hartford, Connecticut, where squeaky clean and remarkably happy, devoted housewife Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) and her successful and charming husband Frank (Dennis Quaid) live in an upper class neighborhood. Both are regarded as elegant, elegant, proper members of the community, the envy of the town and always a show piece for a write-up in the society paper.

Their world is viewed from the rose-colored glasses that are worn with such perfection and fit so well on both of them that nothing could dull, scratch, or separate these two loving and adoring people.

Unfortunately, that world is going to smash into a thousand pieces for both when Frank can no longer hold silent the secret he's been hiding for many years. Cathy, in the mist of it all, looks for comfort, a little piece of understanding and support from their gardener, Raymond (Dennis Haysbert), a man who in every sense is an honorable, intelligent, passionate man raising his little girl on his own. Unfortunately the town is turning green and ugly because of the color of his skin.

Far From Heaven is simply beautiful and shines with mesmerizing and powerful performances and simply is a film that doesn't need fancy gimmicks or million dollar high-tech splurges to get and keep your attention.

One of the most beguiling moments in this film is how Dennis Quaid's character is looked upon and how society and friends react to what is the darkest time for this family. Flip to the other side, where reactions are completely reversed and Julianne Moore's character is looked upon in a most undignified and inappropriate manner.

Julianne Moore's brilliantly performed role only emphasizes her craft as an extremely talented and phenomenal actress. Dennis Quaid's performance is shatteringly smart and so filled with talent it practically hurts it's so good. Dennis Haysbert's smothering smokey charm is carried with strength and his explosive talent is layered throughout him.

A triumphal achievement in delivery of a movie where all elements of the craft in filmmaking are reveled. This is a wonderfully powerful story of the human psyche and the levels and depths from which those feelings emerge.

Written by: Lynda Dale MacLean

Reviewers Rating: 8.5
Reader's Rating: 7.00
Reader's Votes: 8

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