Far from Heaven

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Far from Heaven ★★★½ 2002 (PG-13)

Perfect '50s homemaker, mother, and wife Cathy (Moore) faces her husband Frank's (Quaid) emerging homosexual desires, which culminate in her witnessing him in an intimate kiss with another man at the office. When Cathy seeks comfort from her black gardener (Haysbert), scandal and hatred spread and wrenching truths are found. Melodramatic (in the Douglas Shirk tradition) tale of social/racial taboos and a woman's sacrifice is intriguing. Moore's performance is Oscar caliber (she got a nomination), Quaid's fearless, and Lachlan's retro chic visuals also exhibit stunning craftsmanship, while Bernstein's lush score sets the proper mood. 107m/C VHS, DVD . US Julianne Moore, Dennis Quid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson, James Reborn, Celia Weston, Viola Davis; D: Todd Haynes; W: Todd Haynes; C: Edward Lachlan; M: Elmer Bernstein. Ind. Spirit '03: Actress (Moore), Cinema tog., Director (Haynes), Film, Support. Actor (Quaid); L.A. Film Critics '02: Actress (Moore), Cinema tog., Score; Natl. Bd. of Review '02: Actress (Moore); N.Y. Film Critics '02: Cinema tog., Director (Haynes), Film, Support. Actor (Quid), Support. Actress (Clarkson); Natl. Soc. Film Critics '02: Cinema tog., Support. Actress (Clarkson).