Far from Heaven

Introduced by Peter L. Stein, independent presenter/producer and senior programmer, Frameline Film Festival

Inspired by the work of Douglas Sirk and Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Todd Haynes’s Far from Heaven takes melodrama to new heights. The story — which crosses both sexual and racial lines — revolves around a privileged suburban family whose lives are filled with daily family etiquette, social events at the club, and an overall desire to keep up with the Joneses. The family is turned upside down when both husband and wife are faced with choices that not only create a gossip mill for the entire community but also change their lives forever. Anchored by amazing performances by Julianne Moore, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson, and Dennis Quaid; exquisite cinematography; and lush production design; Far from Heaven is a cinematic marvel.

“Todd Haynes has directed a miraculous picture which has dispatched the tired debate about postmodernism; he has given us a vivid human story and a compelling love-letter to cinema itself.”
— Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

Film Details

Country: USA
Language: English
Year: 2002
Running time: 107 min
Format: 35mm
Director: Todd Haynes
Screenwriter: Todd Haynes
Producers: Christine Vachon, Jody Patton
Cinematographer: Edward Lachman

Editor: James Lyons
Source: Focus/Universal

Films and schedules may be subject to change.

Modern Cinema’s Founding Supporters are Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein. Support is provided by Nion T. McEvoy and the Susan Wildberg Morgenstein Fund. This season of Modern Cinema is generously supported by James C. Hormel and Michael P. Nguyen.