Release Date: 4/1/2003 Original Release: 2002 Format: DVD Widescreen Length: 108 minutes Rating:PG-13 (MPAA) Rating Reason: mature thematic elements, sexual content, brief violence and language UPC: 025192245626 Studio: Universal Studios Home Video
The model marriage of Frank (Dennis Quaid) and Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) in 1950s Hartford is depicted in television ads, and a magazine features photographs of Cathy as a model homemaker and citizen. Yet, behind the curtains of their dream home, Cathy and Frank hide scandalous secrets. Frank has been masquerading his homosexuality and is seeing a doctor for a heterosexual conversion. Meanwhile, Cathy finds solace in her gardener, Raymond (Dennis Haysbert), a black man about whom Cathy must conceal her growing feelings, since simply being seen with him is cause for scandal.
Filmmaker Douglas Sirk employed the trappings of the melodrama to satirize and criticize narrow minds in the 1950s status quo with films such as ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS. Todd Haynes (SAFE) uses Sirk's highly stylized universe to critique society half a century later in FAR FROM HEAVEN. The film uses thematic elements of Sirk's such as isolating characters through windows and vivid, symbolic colors and flowers. It also applies Sirkian plot devices such as gossiping neighbors and demonizing television. Attacking prejudice, Haynes' methods are particularly effective as he uses an antiquated style of filmmaking to shed light on societal problems that are pervasive even in the 21st Century.
DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85 Letterbox - 1.85 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Dolby Surround - French DTS Surround 5.1 - English Additional Release Material: Trailers Making Of: "The Making of FAR FROM HEAVEN" Audio Commentary: Todd Haynes - Director Featurette: 1. Filmmaker's Experience (Q&A Session) 2. Anatomy of a Scene Interactive Features: Scene Access Interactive Menus
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