Far From Heaven (2002)
So what is neo-noir you say? Well, according to the popular, yet sometimes inaccurate Wikipedia it is defined as: “a style often seen in modern motion picturesand other forms that prominently utilizes elements of film noir, but with updated themes, content, style, visual elements or media that were absent in films noir of the 1940s and 1950s.”
The obvious choice for this genre is Far From Heaven. Todd Haynes (writer and director) may have peaked too early in his young film career when he created this modern masterpiece. This film should remain prevalent for decades to come, for many reasons, most notably the writing, the cinematography, art direction, and the acting.
The 1950s have made somewhat of a “dark” comeback as of late (see Mad Men if you haven’t). The stories told recently of this decade don’t show the Norman Rockwellian USA that your parents speak so fondly of. In Haynes film, he explores the codes/mores/values of the 1950s that rarely are seen. While the majority of middle class America strived to be “normal”, Haynes shows what happens to a “typical” family when the blinds are closed and the door is locked, and he does so with stylistic grace. The film is absolutely beautiful to look at.
The film revolves around the Whitaker family. Cathy is the suburban wife (Julianne Moore, never better, or more radiant) who is unsatisfied (with just cause). Her husband is played by Dennis Quaid, who turns in one of the most gut-wrenching, restrained performances of his career. Personally, I never would have seen him in this role, yet he is picture perfect. Dennis Haysbert rounds out the cast as their gardener. I do not understand why he is not cast more in film (enough insurance commercials already). You’d think after his performance here he would be on many A-list directors’ short list.
Needless to say, I am not going to reveal any spoilers for those of you who haven’t seen this film. Just see it.
So what is neo-noir you say? Well, according to the popular, yet sometimes inaccurate Wikipedia it is defined as: “a style often seen in modern motion picturesand other forms that prominently utilizes elements of film noir, but with updated themes, content, style, visual elements or media that were absent in films noir of the 1940s and 1950s.”
The obvious choice for this genre is Far From Heaven. Todd Haynes (writer and director) may have peaked too early in his young film career when he created this modern masterpiece. This film should remain prevalent for decades to come, for many reasons, most notably the writing, the cinematography, art direction, and the acting.
The 1950s have made somewhat of a “dark” comeback as of late (see Mad Men if you haven’t). The stories told recently of this decade don’t show the Norman Rockwellian USA that your parents speak so fondly of. In Haynes film, he explores the codes/mores/values of the 1950s that rarely are seen. While the majority of middle class America strived to be “normal”, Haynes shows what happens to a “typical” family when the blinds are closed and the door is locked, and he does so with stylistic grace. The film is absolutely beautiful to look at.
The film revolves around the Whitaker family. Cathy is the suburban wife (Julianne Moore, never better, or more radiant) who is unsatisfied (with just cause). Her husband is played by Dennis Quaid, who turns in one of the most gut-wrenching, restrained performances of his career. Personally, I never would have seen him in this role, yet he is picture perfect. Dennis Haysbert rounds out the cast as their gardener. I do not understand why he is not cast more in film (enough insurance commercials already). You’d think after his performance here he would be on many A-list directors’ short list.
Needless to say, I am not going to reveal any spoilers for those of you who haven’t seen this film. Just see it.
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