Watch Far Fro Heaven
Written by: Todd Haynes
Directed by: Todd Haynes
Starring: Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson, Viola Davis
Rated: PG-13
Plot:
Set in the 1950's, Cathy (Julianne Moore) befriends her gardener Raymond (Dennis Haysbert) when her husband Frank (Dennis Quaid) leaves her for another man. The friendship increases racial tensions in the small town.
Verdict:
I like what this movie is trying to say about society's influence, but it's as subtle as a bulldozer. When a white woman and black man befriend each other the town begins spreading rumors. It contains all the scenes and characterizations you'd assume it would which is part of the problem.
It depends.
Review:
With the historical setting, music, and credits I would have thought this movie is much older than 2002. The period accuracy is amazing. Todd Haynes also directed the critically acclaimed period piece, Carol (2015).
The set design continues to impress. Outside of a theater is a ladder and lettering. It's easy to miss, but they went all out on the sets.
Frank has a a secret and it's obvious what it is, though for that time it's a much bigger deal. This fairy tale marriage that has graced magazines hits a rocky start when Frank's arrested. He dismisses it as a mistake. The writing is good, delving into the marriage Cathy is trying to present to everyone when in reality it's crumbling. When Cathy surprises Frank with dinner at the office on another night he has to work late, she finds him in his office with another man. It's a case of pleasure, not business.
There's a certain quaintness to the movie. It has the 1950's shtick down from speech to dress which often makes the dialog seem stilted. Even the performances, other than Haysbert, feel theatrical. He's the only one that feels like a real person.
It seems like an idyllic place, but segregation is still in effect. Raymond has to have an immense amount of confidence to drive around with not just a married woman, but a white woman. Cathy had confessed to Raymond she didn't know what it was like to be the only one of her race in a room and he puts her in that situation. She's nervous, as the stares are plentiful.
She's open minded in a world that's not, though it took her husband's situation to begin opening her eyes. The character's of Cathy and Raymond feel a bit too idealistic, forcing melodrama.
She has to end their friendship because people are spreading rumors. He appeals to her sympathies, telling her they are just two people with an interest in each other. Both of their races dislike the relationship. Hate is the one thing everyone can rally around.
Cathy and Frank try to make it work, but a trip to Miami cements the end of their marriage. Frank's in love, but it's not with her. Did Frank use the trip as a ruse to meet a guy or did it just happen? Frank is also depicted as a terrible father, not only does he not care about his kids or what they are doing at all, he seems to actively despise them. Maybe they movie is using his inner turmoil as an excuse, but I don't buy it. It would have been exponentially more effective to have him love his kids but despise his wife. It would better illustrate his turmoil and make him less of a cardboard cutout.
The scene that forces Raymond to leave town is when a trio of white boys throw rocks at his daughter, striking her in the head. When the scene started, I was filled with unease. It wasn't as devastating as it could have been, she didn't suffer any permanent physical injury, but it also could have been directed better. The scene felt perfunctory. This movie has some great things to say, but it lacks subtlety as evidenced in the rock throwing scene.
Frank makes the decision to love who he wants, abandoning his family. Cathy and Raymond suppress their desire for each other, despite the pain it causes, for the safety of their families.
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