Far From Heaven

Focus Features | Release Date: November 8, 2002

7.9	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 85 Ratings

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smijatovAug 26, 2011

"Far From Heaven" could be considered to be an "experimental" film, to be truthful. It is a study and a replica of the great America melodramas of the 1950s, which is the time period the film is set in. Hayes, the director, has clearly done"Far From Heaven" could be considered to be an "experimental" film, to be truthful. It is a study and a replica of the great America melodramas of the 1950s, which is the time period the film is set in. Hayes, the director, has clearly done that intentionally, basically pretending that his film was made in the 1950s. With an excellent screenplay touching upon the ever-relevant issues of racism and homosexuality, the story is rather unpredictable and extremely engaging. The cinematography is absolutely phenomenal, which works exquisitely with the stunning art direction and costume design. Visually, the film is simply beautiful - possibly one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. The acting, as well, is superb, especially the leading trio - Moore, Quaid and Haysbert. Julianne Moore is pitch-perfect in this role that has gained her even more critical acclaim than any other previous role. Quaid has a restrained, but effective performance, just as Haysbert does. One can criticise the film for being "over the top" or "fake" or on such grounds, but what it comes down to is that this film is an homage to the melodramas of the 1950s and is emulating the same. And the act is quite effective and convincing. One of the best and most beautiful and moving films I have ever seen!… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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PhoeboBuffayOct 5, 2013

Beautiful, tough and sublime film.
Julianne Moore did her best job. This movie warms your heart because every scene is perfect. At the end I was like: "WOW! Awesome, amazing, touchful, maravillo."

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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LarryM.Oct 11, 2005

A great film.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

KurtK.Feb 24, 2007

Stunningly beautiful scenery and lead actress, powerful scenes by Dennis Quaid. The best of its type I've ever seen.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

beingryanjudeAug 27, 2014

Far From Heaven is a triumph on all accounts--it's art direction, the writing, everything. With a beguiling performance from Julianne Moore, this is one of the most honest and daring films of late.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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AllisonR.Feb 21, 2006

Predictable movie. lacked focus while trying to tackle two huge themes (homosexuality & racism) at the same time... Didn't enjoy the acting in this movie, extremely sterile and contrived. Anybody else notice the boeing jet fly by on the Predictable movie. lacked focus while trying to tackle two huge themes (homosexuality & racism) at the same time... Didn't enjoy the acting in this movie, extremely sterile and contrived. Anybody else notice the boeing jet fly by on the reflection in the woman's car, while she was watching them go into the black resturant? Can't believe that made the cut!… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful

EricLJul 16, 2007

This film is very difficult to score - I do agree with one reviewer who found it very unlikely that Dennis Quaid's character would just dump Cathy and live with a man - because he definitely would lose his job and everything - in that This film is very difficult to score - I do agree with one reviewer who found it very unlikely that Dennis Quaid's character would just dump Cathy and live with a man - because he definitely would lose his job and everything - in that era men did those things on the side while still being married. However, I admire very much what was attempted in this movie, and for the most part they succeeded. Julienne Moore is absolutely brilliant, and the reason she did not win the oscar is because the idiots in Hollywood always overlook understated performances - and yet these performances are actually more difficult (See Mary Tyler Moore in "Ordinary People"). Moore is perfect in every scene as she watches her perfect wold unravel and struggles between the part of herself that wants to scream outloud, and the other part of her that has been perfectly honed over the years to be the ideal suburban upscale wife - it is a subtle and brilliant performance. The script is not perfect, and there were a few minor scenes that did not ring true- but the overall package is amazing - the perfect cast from top to bottom, most of the script, the acting, cinematography, directing, score, everything about this movies pays homage to a by-gone era of American Films and does it with taste and class. When thinking about the 50's you have to remember that the 50's (as any decade) varied depending on where you lived and how you were raised - and this movie comes pretty close to what real life was like for these people - they were literally trapped inside a nightmare which they (and their contemporaries) had created - it's no wonder that a few years later their children would be burning their bras and protesting wars. Far from Heaven is indeed a great movie because it has such high aspirations - a movie from 2002 that dares to style itself after a 50's drama and to do so via (gasp) a subtle script rather than relying on special effects and things blowing up etc. For the most part they achieved their goal and are to be commended for their efforts. This is a beautiful film worth watching if only to appreciate the efforts of all involved.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

nutterjrNov 29, 2010

It's not often that a movie moves you in ways where you both feel for the the repressive taboos of a past decade whilst triggering you to re-evaluate the behaviour of present society. Julianne Moore and Dennis Haysbert are really bearingIt's not often that a movie moves you in ways where you both feel for the the repressive taboos of a past decade whilst triggering you to re-evaluate the behaviour of present society. Julianne Moore and Dennis Haysbert are really bearing their souls out with performances that will mark both their careers.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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SpangleJun 19, 2016

A lavishly designed period piece from director Todd Haynes, Far From Heaven is a heartbreaking look at the taboo nature of interracial relationships and homosexuality in 1950s Connecticut. With fantastic performances from Julianne Moore,A lavishly designed period piece from director Todd Haynes, Far From Heaven is a heartbreaking look at the taboo nature of interracial relationships and homosexuality in 1950s Connecticut. With fantastic performances from Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, and Dennis Haysbert, Far From Heaven is a great take on 1950s melodramas and sports all the expected romance, drama, and tearjerking elements of the genre. The film has fantastic production design and costume design, which both perfectly fit the period. Additionally, the actors have great chemistry with one another and were clearly quite well directed by Haynes as they never overact, as can be the case in melodramas. Overall, Far From Heaven is a tragic, romantic, and incredibly smart period piece that presents great examples of the societal problems of the time.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Compi24Oct 21, 2013

While its soap-opera-esque elements and artifice may be laid on a bit too thick for my tastes, with fine performances all around, I'd say "Far From Heaven" is still worth a viewing.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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vinicius96Mar 9, 2018

The best performance of Julianne Moore's career. Nicole Kidman stole that Oscar, that's a fact !!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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