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Mid-Century
Melodrama
Julianne
Moore brings the era to life.
BY
LOIS WADSWORTH
FAR FROM HEAVEN: Written
and directed by Todd Haynes. Produced by Christine Vachon, Jody Patton.
Executive producers, Steven Soderbergh, George Clooney, John Wells,
Eric Robison, John Sloss. Cinematography, Edward Lachman. Production
design, Mark Friedberg. Editor, James Lyons. Costumes, Sandy Powell.
Music, Elmer Bernstein. Starring Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid and
Dennis Haysbert, with Patricia Clarkson, Viola Davis and James Rebhorn.
Focus Features Release, 2002. PG-13. 107 minutes.
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|
CATHY
(JULIANNE MOORE) HEARS DISTURBING NEWS OVER THE PHONE.
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The color fest begins with the opening shots
in Todd Haynes breathtaking homage to 1950s melodrama, Far From
Heaven, with trees at their full glory in autumnal red, orange
and yellow. The storefronts and municipal buildings of 1957 Hartford,
Conn., perfectly complement the charming homes, beautiful lawns and
well-tended gardens of the upper middle-class, white families who
live there. Women wear luxurious, colorful dresses, and everyone drives
big, comfy, pastel-colored cars. Everything is ordered and orderly
in the American Dream.
American Beauty it isn't. No hint of irony
intrudes. In fact, the opposite is true from the start. No one living
in this color-saturated, fantasy world has any idea how soon its pleasures
will end. Troubles rumble beneath the surface perfection of paradise,
but the emotional pain involved in keeping the dream afloat expresses
itself only in the characters' private lives. The drama that drives
the film arises out of the conflict between their needs and desires
and what others want or expect from them.
Writer, director Todd Haynes captures flawlessly the
innocence of the period, especially through the bravura performance
of Julianne Moore as Cathy Whitaker, a privileged wife, mother and
socialite. Cathy is genuine and good-hearted. She works tirelessly
to create a beautiful home for her husband, Frank (Dennis Quaid),
and their two children, although she is also always perfectly put
together down to shoes that match the color of her gorgeous outfits.
Cathy counts on her African American maid, Sybil (Viola Davis), to
keep her split-level, modern, Colonial-style house spotless.
Cathy is not even aware that she wants anything outside
this domestic bliss. It is her whole world. When she experiences longings
outside of her experience, she doesn't have the words to talk about
them. Language is limited to the manifest appearance of things; it
can't express deeper, less understood feelings.
Frank is a corporate man, whose loyalty to Magnatech
is as unquestioned as his dedication to his family. At first he's
ashamed, then he tries to quell his powerful sexual desire for other
men. But when he starts to fall apart at work, he sees the shallow
extent of corporate caring, and it is shattering. Quaid's performance
is heartbreaking, even though we don't remain sympathetic when Frank
turns against Cathy over her friendship with their African American
gardener, Raymond (Dennis Haysbert).
Friendship is a mild word for Cathy's feelings toward
Raymond. But beyond tenderness and exchanged glances, their affection
is buried under the social restraints placed on interracial relationships.
When Cathy tells her best friend, Eleanor (Patricia Clarkson), about
Frank's homosexuality and how she feels that Raymond is the only person
who understands, Eleanor is hurt, surprised about Frank, but icy about
Raymond. Eleanor's silent disapproval warns Cathy that she courts
social shunning by even expressing such feelings.
Haynes patterns the film's astonishing reflection
of the '50s in every detail of production design, costumes and music
on Douglas Sirk's 1950s films. But for me it most resembles not Sirk's
1955 All That Heaven Allows but Wong Kar-Wai's bittersweet
2001 romance, In the Mood for Love. Both films are lighted
and shot by fabulous cinematographers — Edward Lachman for Heaven,
Christopher Doyle and Mark Li Ping-bin for Mood. Despite different
cultural references, these films are not only examples of lush cinematic
beauty but also of emotionally true stories. Two people brought together
by chance and circumstance fall in love, but they part before acknowledging
their love. Body language and gestural nuance carry the film's emotional
weight, while societal demands for propriety and duty demand personal
sacrifice.
Very highest recommendations for Far From Heaven,
which opens Friday at the Bijou. It's at the top of my list for picture
of the year so far.
Back to Top
OPENING
OR RETURNING:
Films open the Friday following
date of EW publication unless otherwise noted. See
archived movie reviews.
Dances With Wolves: Danced away with seven
Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Kevin Costner plays a man
drawn to Native American ways at the time of the American frontier.
Costner also directed the film, and one of the Oscars went to him
for Best Director. With Graham Greene, Mary McDonnell, Rodney Grant.
At 7:30 pm on 11/26 in 122 Pacific Hall. Free. PG-13
Devil's Backbone, The: Guillermo del Toro directs
and co-authors this Gothic ghost story. Graphic violence set in 1930s
Spain at a remote orphanage. Effective, clever and chilling, it's
also beautifully filmed. Recommended. At 7 pm on 11/22 in International
Lounge, EMU. Free. R. Online archives.
Die Another Day: Pierce Brosnan returns as
James Bond for a new mission that takes him to Iceland in this action
adventure yarn directed by Lee Tamahori. Costars Halle Berry, John
Cleese and Judi Dench, with Rosamund Pike. Evil enemies played by
Toby Stephens and Rick Yune. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Emperor's Club, The: Kevin Kline plays a dedicated
prep school teacher and Emile Hirsch, the son of a powerful senator,
is his student. Twenty years later, they meet again. PG-13. Cinemark.
Far From Heaven: Director Todd Haynes and cinematographer
Edward Lachman deliver an exceptionally beautiful, emotionally resonant
film. Excellent performances by Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis
Haysbert and Patricia Clarkson. Very highest recommendations. PG-13.
Bijou. See review this issue.
Friday After Next, The: In installment three
of the Friday series, Ice Cube and Mike Epps are back in the
neighborhood where it all began. Directorial debut of video director
Marcus Raboy. R. Cinemark.
Gandhi (1982): Richard Attenborough's compelling
biography of Mahatma Gandhi, unforgettably played by Ben Kingsley,
won eight Academy Awards. Also stars Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, John
Gielgud. At 3 pm and 7 pm on 11/23 at the Northwestern Christian College
Auditorium. Benefits India Partners mission team. Suggested donation
$5.
Lucky Bum Film Tour: A traveling exhibition
of experimental and documentary films, video installation and photography
at 8 pm 11/23 at My House, 1136 W. 5th Ave. Suggested donation $4.
Mother and Son (1997): Hailed by cineastes
worldwide for its beauty and depth of compassion, Aleksandr Sukurov's
dreamlike tale of a dying woman and her dedicated son shows in Russian
with English subtitles. At 7:45 on 11/125 in 115 Pacific. Free.
Once Were Warriors (New Zealand, 1994):
Lee Tamahori directs this drama about a Maori family struggling with
domestic violence and urban ghetto life. Unbelievably good performances
by Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison and the Maori teen actors who play
their children. Emotionally difficult to watch, but fascinating, beautiful
and moving. R. At 7 pm on 11/24 in Grower's Market. Free.
Red Dragon: Anthony Hopkins returns as Hannibal
Lecter, the cannibal, serial killer, while Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes,
Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary-Louise Parker and Philip Seymour
Hoffman flesh out the cast. Directed by Brett Ratner. R. Movies 12.
Signs: Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan
and starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix in this supernatural thriller
about crop circles. Also stars Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin. PG-13.
Movies 12. Online archives.
Spirited Away: Latest film from legendary Japanese
animation director Hayao Miyazaki (Princess Mononoke) follows
adventures of 10-year old girl, Chihiro, who discovers a secret world
and must take care of herself after her parents undergo a mysterious
transformation. Newly dubbed by John Lasseter (Toy Story),
this film is not just for kids. Critics are calling it a masterpiece.
PG. Bijou.
Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams: Robert Rodriguez
says his sequel has lots of action, is fun and nobody dies. Stars
Antonio Banderas, Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega. PG. Movies 12.
Wilco: I'm Trying to Break Your Heart: Backstage
dramas and corporate shenanigans upset plans of American rock group
Wilco. Shot by Sam Jones in luminous black and white, the film is
an involving look at a band making its best music while under pressure.
NR. Bijou.
XXX: Vin Diesel and Samuel L. Jackson star
in this athletic spy thriller directed by Rob Cohen. PG-13. Movies
12.
CONTINUING:
Austin Powers in Goldmember: Third
time is charmed as Mike Myers comes back in multiple roles as Austin
Powers. With Michael Caine and Beyoncé Knowles. Directed by Jay
Roach. Mini-Me takes the cake! PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives.
Banger Sisters, The: Susan Sarandon and Goldie
Hawn play 1960s-era rock star groupies who get reacquainted in Bob
Dolman's comedy. Great performances from Hawn, Geoffrey Rush and Eva
Amurri. Highly recommended. R. Movies 12. Online archives.
Barbershop: Sweet-natured comedy about a day
in the life of a south side Chicago barbershop stars Ice Cube, Cedric
the Entertainer, Sean Patrick Thomas, Troy Garity, Eve. This movie
makes you feel good. Recommended. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives.
Eight Mile: Set on the gritty streets of Detroit,
Curtis Hanson's greatly anticipated film stars Eminem in his first
screen role, Kim Basinger as his mom. Also, Brittany Murphy, Mekhi
Phifer and Taryn Manning. R. Cinemark. Cinema World. Online archives.
Femme Fatale: Brian De Palma's thriller stars
Rebecca Romijn-Stamos as the mysterious wife of the American ambassador
to France. Antonio Banderas plays the freelance photographer who learns
about her past. R. Cinemark.
Four Feathers, The: Surely the only reason
to remake this old racist chestnut about the imperialistic Brits in
the Sudan, 1898, is to give Hollywood hunk Heath Ledger something
to do. Kate Hudson may help, as well as Wes Bentley and Djimon Hounsou.
Directed by Shekhar Kapur (Elizabeth). PG-13. Movies 12.
Frida: Salma Hayak plays Frida Kahlo, the feminist
painter and wife of Mexico's great muralist and painter Diego Rivera
(Alfred Molina) and lover of Leon Trotsky (Geoffrey Rush). Directed
by Julie Taymor . R. Cinemark.
Half-Past Dead: Steven Seagal violent action
movie directed by Don Michael Paul. As undercover FBI, Seagal tries
to stop intruders from murdering a Supreme Court Justice and a death
row inmate in Alcatraz. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Harry Potter: Chamber of Secrets: Again directed
by Chris Columbus, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint)
and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) try to uncover a dark force terrorizing
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. G. Cinema World. Cinemark.
I Spy: CIA super agent (Owen Wilson) and undefeated
boxer (Eddie Murphy) hate each other at first sight, but they have
to track down a missing stealth bomber. PG-13. Cinemark.
Jackass: The Movie: Based on the MTV series,
more dangerous and silly stunts. R. Cinemark.
Lilo and Stitch: Animated Disney comedy about
Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl, and her small, ugly dog named Stitch.
PG. Movies 12.
Master of Disguise: Dana Carvey plays Pistachio
Disguisey, a waiter who turns into whatever he thinks of next. PG.
Movies 12.
Men in Black 2: Jay (Will Smith) drags a reluctant
Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) back into the agency with the mission of "Protecting
the earth from the scum of the universe." Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld.
PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: It's about the 30-year
old, unmarried daughter (Nia Vardalos) in a passionate but demanding
Greek NY family, who meets the man she to marry (John Corbett), but
he isn't Greek. This sweet romantic comedy entertains. Run-away independent
hit of 2002!. Recommended. PG. Cinema World. Cinemark. Online archives.
Punch-Drunk Love: Paul Thomas Anderson's comedy
about an LA businessman (Adam Sandler) who blindly follows a woman
he loves (Emily Watson) to Hawaii. Also stars Luis Guzman and Philip
Seymour Hoffman. Highest recommendations. R. Cinemark. Online archives.
Ring, The: Gore Verbinski finds a solid cast
in Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive), Chris Cooper and Brian Cox
for this remake of Hideo Nakata's 1998 Japanese horror film. PG-13.
Cinema World. Cinemark.
Road to Perdition: Sam Mendes directs this
fathers-and-sons drama set in Chicago during the Depression. It stars
Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Tyler Hoechlin, with Jude Law, Daniel Craig,
Jennifer Jason Leigh, Stanley Tucci and Liam Aiken. Beautiful cinematography,
powerful drama. R. Movies 12. Online archives.
Santa Clause 2: Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) begins
looking for the perfect Mrs. Claus, because if he doesn't get married
by Christmas Even, he'll stop being Santa forever. G. Cinemark. Cinema
World.
Spider Man: Tobey Maguire stars in Sam Raimi's
film and makes Spidey a comic book superhero we can all appreciate.
Also stars Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin, Kirsten Dunst as the
girl, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris and J.K. Simmons.
Highly recommended. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives.
Sweet Home Alabama: Andy Tennant directs the
fabulous Reese Witherspoon in this comedy about a hot fashion designer
who returns to the South to get a divorce from scruffy hubby #1 (Josh
Lucas) so she can marry rich Patrick Dempsey. PG-13. Cinemark.
Transporter, The: Corey Yuen directs, Luc Bresson
produces and co-writes this crime thriller starring Asian star Shu
Qi and Jason Statham. PG-13. Movies 12.
MOVIE
THEATERS
Use the links provided below for specific show times.
Bijou
Art Cinemas
Bijou Theater 686-2458
| 492 E. 13th
Regal
Cinemas
Cinema World 342-6536
| Valley River Center
Springfield Quad 726-9073
|
Cinemark
Theaters
Movies 12 741-1231
| Gateway Mall
Movies before 12:30 are Sat. Sun. only. $1.50 all shows all days.
Cinemark 17 741-1231 |
Gateway Mall
New
Releases on Video
Releases subject to change. Available the
Tuesday following date of EW publication, sometimes
sooner. See
archived movie reviews.
Contempt: Jean-Luc Godard's 1964 is a film
about filming a new version of Homer's Odyssey, and it stars Brigitte
Bardot, Fritz Lang playing himself and Godard as his assistant. Highly
regarded film now in DVD.
Ice Age: Chris Wedge directs the voices of
Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and Goran Vizjnic in this
digitally animated story about a Three-Toed Sloth and a Woolly Mammoth
who try to save a human child at the beginning of an Ice Age. Has
its moments of humor adults may like, but it's not all that funny.
G.
It All Starts Today: Beautiful film by French
director Bertrand Tavernier shows the disjunction between what an
idealist teacher teaches his students and the actual world they must
grow up in. The New York Times says, "Mr. Tavernier has pulled
off an emotionally rich and remarkably restrained piece of storytelling."
Now available on DVD. NR.
Lovely and Amazing: Catherine Keener, Brenda
Blethyn, Emily Mortimer and Raven Goodwin star in Nicole Holofcener's
comedy about a family of women (and one girl) who're dissatisfied
with their looks. Also stars Dermot Mulroney, Jake Gyllenhaal and
James Legros as the men who do or don't put up with them. Highly recommended.
R. Online archives.
Men in Black 2: Jay (Will Smith) drags a reluctant
Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) back into the agency with the mission of "Protecting
the earth from the scum of the universe." Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld,
it also stars Lara Flynn Boyle as Serleena, an alien masquerading
as a Victoria's Secret model. With Rosario Dawson, Johnny Knoxville,
Tony Shalhoub and Rip Torn. PG-13. Online archives.
Solaris (1972): Russian master filmmaker Andrei
Tarkovsky's sci-fi classic marked a milestone in Soviet cinema, according
to Facets Video. Based on the novel by Polish writer Stanislav Lem,
it deals with a series of expeditions to the planet Solaris. Village
Voice's Jonas Mekas called it "one of the most original, most
poetic, most beautifully paced science-fiction movies." In Russian
with English subtitles. No rating. 167 minutes.
Undisputed: Walter Hill's boxing drama about
a heavyweight champ who goes to prison stars Wesley Snipes and Ving
Rhames. R.
Next week: Austin Powers Goldmember, Lilo and Stitch
and Happy Times.
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