1 down, 5 to go

26 Apr 2003 By

I just watched Far From Heaven. I was totally uncomfortable throughout this whole movie. Part of that was because of its angsty quality. Part of it was the stunted ’50s social dynamic, which was very well portrayed in both the look and the dialogue and even the way they spoke the dialogue (as far as I can tell). I knew the movie was generally about the gay husband and the black gardener. I didn’t realize how strongly focused it is on Julianne Moore’s character (which is fine…). I felt so oppressed and repressed. She’s shot down by the husband. She’s shot down by the gardener. It’s all so damn sad. I liked it, though. Not sure how I feel about her Oscar nomination now.

Watching the scenes again in the special features is downright torturous. Especially the scene after the big party where they’re getting hot and heavy and he has to stop and she’s trying to reassure him by saying “Frank, you’re all man to me. You’re all man.” And then he hits her. I can’t stand it.

  • http://www.davetepper.net Dave

    When I first read this entry, I got Far From Heaven confused with The Other Side of Heaven, which was also set in the 50s. TOSoH is a horrible horrible film though; I don’t recommend it at all.

  • http://www.fridayfishwrap.com MJ

    Mr. and Mrs. Magna-tech. What a great film. There was so much eye candy in this one for me. I loved the sets, the setting and I thought both Dennis Quaid and Julianne Moore were fantastic in the “perfect couple” dynamic. Sad yes, unbelievably sad. But I’ve had many debates with friends over the ending. Does the train station represent despair? The end of the line? Or are the apple (cherry?) blossoms a symbol of hope and rebirth? Great movie. Two thumbs up from me!

  • http://www.swirlspice.com Erica

    When I saw the train station, the first thing I thought was The Hours and then I thought of E.R. when Susan leaves on the train after Mark told her he loved her. When the train is leaving the station, it’s never a happy moment! I didn’t get any sense of happiness from the ending. I don’t doubt that her character would eventually bounce back, but we didn’t even see the full impact of the “downfall” play out.

  • http://www.mysocalledblog.com Lachlan

    I loved, loved, LOVED this film- precisely because it was so discomfitting to watch. The furtiveness of the gay men, Quaid’s aching unhappiness, and Moore’s eventual admittance of defeat. The supporting cast was excellent. I really liked the scene where she went dancing at the club with Haysbert’s character.

    Heart-wrenching, all the way around.