Todd Haynes is the most avant-garde American filmmaker working today (yes, that includes Mr. Gallo, and, yes, that also includes Mr. Van Sant, who comes close to Haynes). "Avant-garde," by the way, is a good thing. He is also the most daring, tackling traditional genres without fear. "Far From Heaven" is Hayne's homage to the syrupy melodramas of the '50's, particularly those of Douglas Sirk, director of "Magnificent Obsession," "All That Heaven Allows," and "Imitation of Life," among others. As much as he pays tribute to these pulp romances, he also sets out to improve them, using better actors, advanced photographic technology, and, most importantly, subject matter considered off- limits back then. Homosexuality, race, and feminism are investigated deftly here. There's a fair amount of kitsch as well, which gives the film an odd slant. The balance is handled well by Haynes, though, enough to save it from being impenetrable. Julianne Moore is magnificent, as is Patricia Clarkson in a tiny role, and Viola Davis in an even tinier role. Dennis Quaid is completely believable. Worth watching at least once.
Review of Far from Heaven
