The model marriage of Frank (Dennis Quaid) and Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) in 1950s Hartford is depicted in television ads, and a magazine features photographs of Cathy as a model homemaker and citizen. Yet, behind the curtains of their dream home, Cathy and Frank hide scandalous secrets. Frank has been masquerading his homosexuality and is seeing a doctor for a heterosexual conversion. Meanwhile, Cathy finds solace in her gardener, Raymond (Dennis Haysbert), a black man about whom Cathy must conceal her growing feelings, since simply being seen with him is cause for scandal.Filmmaker Douglas Sirk employed the trappings of the melodrama to satirize and criticize narrow minds in the 1950s status quo with films such as ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS. Todd Haynes (SAFE) uses Sirk's highly stylized universe to critique society half a century later in FAR FROM HEAVEN. The film uses thematic elements of Sirk's such as isolating characters through windows and vivid, symbolic colors and flowers. It also applies Sirkian plot devices such as gossiping neighbors and demonizing television. Attacking prejudice, Haynes' methods are particularly effective as he uses an antiquated style of filmmaking to shed light on societal problems that are pervasive even in the 21st Century.
Product Identifiers
UPC
0065935843993
eBay Product ID (ePID)
98849455
Product Key Features
Actor
Julianne Moore, Patricia Clarkson, Dennis Haysbert, Dennis Quaid
Movie/TV Title
Far from Heaven
Director
Todd Haynes
Format
Blu-ray Disc
Release Year
2011
Genre
Drama
Additional Product Features
Number of Discs
1
Country/Region of Manufacture
USA
Signal Standard
Blu-ray Disc
LeafCats
617
Leading Role
Julianne Moore, Patricia Clarkson, Dennis Haysbert, Dennis Quaid