MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Far From Home’
Nominated for: Best Actress, Cinematography, Music and Original Screenplay.
There is no doubt in my mind why Julianne Moore joins an elite group of women with two Oscar nominations in one year. She is an amazing actress. In her best-actress-nominated role, she plays Cathy Whitaker in “Far From Heaven.”
Whitaker is the perfect example of a woman in the late ’50s. Her husband is a successful advertiser, she has two children, throws amazing parties and leaves the house and yard work to the hired help.
Her life seems perfect until she discovers that her marriage is a sham and her husband (Dennis Quaid who was snubbed by not getting nominated for an Oscar) is dealing with trying to hide his homosexuality. Suddenly everything she knows is wrong.
“Heaven” is a film that celebrates the sentimentalities of that era while director/writer Todd Haynes rips it apart with a story line exploring sexual mores and racial tolerance.
Whitaker finds friendship with her gardener Raymond Deagan, who happens to be black. This makes Whitaker the talk of the town, for even though the innocent friendship is no big deal to her, the rest of the town sees the relationship as not only improper but indecent.
One of the most powerful moments of the film comes when Whitaker is confiding her husband’s situation with her friend. Her friend is all supportive and sympathetic about the situation.
But when Whitaker starts discussing her relationship with Deagan, her friend’s support turns to dust and Whitaker finds herself alone.
This movie examines acceptance as a luxury not afforded by the human
family.
Instead of being able to accept the differences found in society, the characters, for whatever reason, are forced to flee from their homes and lives to find happiness. Whitaker is left with the realization that she is alone.
But even then, she doesn’t give in. The driving force behind her story is the power of the human spirit. No matter happens to her, Whitaker continues on with her life. It may not be the one she is used to, but she will not run away.
Haynes masterfully blends his tale of woe with his tribute to the ’50s lifestyle. You almost feel like you’re watching an episode of “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” or “Father Knows Best.”
But “Heaven” is more than a trite tribute of the perfect family. It is a monument to how far our country has come in accepting those around us.
Jared Sterzer is a senior majoring in business information systems. Comments can be sent to jwsterz@cc.usu.edu.