1189. Far From Heaven

Far From Heaven
2002
Directed by Todd Haynes

I am still on a significant amount of post surgery drugs, which my doctor says will make me feel I've had a few beers. Maybe that is not the best time to tackle melodramas, as they seem extra...bizarre.

In 1957, Cathy is a homemaker married to Frank Whitaker, a successful executive, and they seemingly have the perfect family. Of course, things are not quite as harmonious as they appear. Cathy discovers that Frank is secretly gay, and they decide to try conversion therapy (all the eye rolls in the land). At the same time, Cathy's Black gardener, Raymond, catches her eye.

All I could think about when I was watching this was the film All That Heavens Allows, another List movie that is clearly being paid homage to by this movie. That's fine, I guess, but the melodrama style is not something I really connect with. I'll admit though, it was very well done here, from the camera angles to the lighting.

Of course, the 50s were terrible in a lot of ways, and I like the idea of de-romanticizing that era. I also really liked the actors involved. But it's just a little silly, and I can't tell if that's intentional or not.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Julianne Moore's pregnancy was hidden throughout filming.

The role of Frank Whitaker was written for James Gandolfini, but he was too busy filming the Sopranos.

889. Safe

Safe
1995
Directed by Todd Haynes

I had never heard of this film before and, of course, if I haven't heard of it, no one else has.  Its obscurity is a shame, because Julianne Moore's performance alone makes this movie well worth a watch.

Carol White is an emotionally repressed housewife trapped in a passionless marriage.  Her days consist of aerobic classes, taking clothes to the dry cleaners, getting manicures, and hanging out with her equally dull friends.  She slowly begins to acquire severe symptoms, such as uncontrollable coughing fits and sudden nosebleeds.  Still, the doctors believe she is perfectly healthy.  She discovers there are others like her who seem to be allergic to modernity.   Eventually, she decides to move to a New Age treatment center to recover, but the center might be just as oppressive as the life Carol left.

The Book notes that this is a "thoroughly modern horror film."  I don't know if Carol's life is as frightening to most people as it is to me.  But honestly, I can't think of a more hellish existence (that doesn't include daily violence).  The scary part is that her husband doesn't seem to be holding her back from doing anything.  She doesn't seem to have any great ambitions or talents.  It is hard to root for her to escape from her life because, really, where would she go?  She didn't seem to possess any kind of spirit, which made her a rather fascinating character to watch.

I have complained about ambiguous endings in the past, but it really worked here.  Definitely a film that will stay with me.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Julianne Moore lost ten pounds for the role.