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Far from Heaven
Far from Heaven Image
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Metascore
84 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 37 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 37
  3. Negative: 2 out of 37
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid and Dennis Haysbert are called on to play characters whose instincts are wholly different from their own. By succeeding, they make their characters real, instead of stereotypes.
  2. The New Republic
    Reviewed by: Stanley Kauffmann
    40
    Even with its latter-day (modified) frankness, Far From Heaven is only thin glamour that lacks a tacit wry base. Thus diminished, it can be tagged with a term that Susan Sontag once defined so well that she put it out of circulation: camp.
  3. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Michael Sragow
    38
    It's the oddest case yet of the Emperor's New Clothes. After all, the Emperor in the fairy tale was naked. This movie has tons of fabulous clothing. The people disappear within their wardrobes.

See all 37 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 60
  3. Negative: 18 out of 60
  1. smijatov
    10
    "Far From Heaven" could be considered to be an "experimental" film, to be truthful. It is a study and a replica of the great America melodramas of the 1950s, which is the time period the film is set in. Hayes, the director, has clearly done that intentionally, basically pretending that his film was made in the 1950s. With an excellent screenplay touching upon the ever-relevant issues of racism and homosexuality, the story is rather unpredictable and extremely engaging. The cinematography is absolutely phenomenal, which works exquisitely with the stunning art direction and costume design. Visually, the film is simply beautiful - possibly one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. The acting, as well, is superb, especially the leading trio - Moore, Quaid and Haysbert. Julianne Moore is pitch-perfect in this role that has gained her even more critical acclaim than any other previous role. Quaid has a restrained, but effective performance, just as Haysbert does. One can criticise the film for being "over the top" or "fake" or on such grounds, but what it comes down to is that this film is an homage to the melodramas of the 1950s and is emulating the same. And the act is quite effective and convincing. One of the best and most beautiful and moving films I have ever seen!… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. KurtK.
    9
    Stunningly beautiful scenery and lead actress, powerful scenes by Dennis Quaid. The best of its type I've ever seen.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. AllisonR.
    4
    Predictable movie. lacked focus while trying to tackle two huge themes (homosexuality & racism) at the same time... Didn't enjoy the acting in this movie, extremely sterile and contrived. Anybody else notice the boeing jet fly by on the reflection in the woman's car, while she was watching them go into the black resturant? Can't believe that made the cut!… Expand
    • 0 of 2 users said yes

See all 60 User Reviews

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