IMDb > Safe (1995)
Safe
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips
Videos
Safe (1995) -- US Home Video Trailer from Columbia Tristar

Overview

User Rating:
6.9/10   3,656 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 40% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Todd Haynes
Writer:
Todd Haynes (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Safe on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
30 June 1995 (USA) more
Genre:
Thriller | Drama more
Tagline:
In the 21st century nobody will be...Safe.
Plot:
An unexceptional homemaker in the suburbs develops multiple chemical sensitivity. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
3 wins & 6 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(13 articles)
The 25 Scariest Moments in Non-Horror Movies
 (From IFC. 27 October 2009, 10:11 AM, PDT)

Franco Reliving Career On Screen
 (From WENN. 9 April 2009, 5:15 AM, PDT)

User Comments:
Gripping - with a masterful performance from Julianne Moore more (98 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Julianne Moore ... Carol White

Peter Friedman ... Peter Dunning

Xander Berkeley ... Greg White
Susan Norman ... Linda

Kate McGregor-Stewart ... Claire (as Kate McGregor Stewart)
Mary Carver ... Nell
Steven Gilborn ... Dr. Hubbard

April Grace ... Susan
Peter Crombie ... Dr. Reynolds
Ronnie Farer ... Barbara

Jodie Markell ... Anita

Lorna Scott ... Marilyn

James LeGros ... Chris

Dean Norris ... Mover
Julie Burgess ... Aerobics instructor
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated R for a sex scene and brief language.
Runtime:
119 min
Country:
UK | USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Stereo

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Many interiors such as Carol's house were filmed in Todd Haynes' family and relatives' houses. The exterior of the St. Tropez restaurant (the next scene after the dinner where Carol doesn't laugh at the vibrator joke) was shot, remarkably, using the exterior of Haynes' parents house. The street that opens the film is also the street where their house is located and his mother's car can be seen in the shot. more
Movie Connections:
Featured in Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003) more
Soundtrack:
Turn Your Love Around more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
30 out of 37 people found the following comment useful.
Gripping - with a masterful performance from Julianne Moore, 24 June 2003
9/10
Author: Jen_UK (jenn_146@hotmail.com) from England

'Safe' is enigmatic, anxious, bewildering and captivating. It will divide viewers, but I argue that this is the hallmark of all true art. You will either love it or hate it, you will either get it or you won't. But it won't leave you indifferent.

Julianne Moore plays Carol White, the film's childlike protagonist with a phenomenal skill. In the hands of a more showy, ostentatious actress, Carol's 'illness' could have appeared trivial, her character, flighty, whiny and irritating. In the hands of Julianne Moore who is, in my opinion, the most intelligent, thoughtful and captivating actress working today, Carol's predicament is moving amd her character endearing. Her performance truly is astonishing. Never does she feel the need to overact, to emphasise Carol's confusion or her fear. She plays her with a childlike acceptance, a surface simplicity and a sing-songy girlish voice, and she is a master of restraint, implication, understatement. I have yet to see a more impressive performance from an actress whose skill lies in making it appear like she is doing very little, when really there is a huge amount going on underneath the surface. The film would be worth it for Julianne Moore alone, but it also has other things to reccommend it.

There's the excellent direction from the genius, Todd Haynes. His mainstream hit, the wonderful homage to Sirk 'Far From Heaven' catapulted Haynes into the mainstream, but I find this work even more affecting. Haynes is a genius at utilising the mise-en-scene for the maximum effect. He uses his camera as a painter would with colour - each shot is masterfully composed, with the director never allowing us to get too close to Julianne Moore's character, making her predicament all the more confusing and alienating. This is a film which demands thought and concentration, and what you take from it will depend upon individual disposition and experience.

The dialogue is generally sparse and quite functional, meaning that emphasis is placed onto the menacing soundtrack (giving the film a horror/thriller feel), the meticulously orchestrated mise-en-scene and, of course, the amazing nuances and depth of Julianne Moore's artistic gifts. In terms of what the film is trying to say, there is a real sense of satire in the second section of the film (When Carol goes to the commune to be 'cured') but there is no insistence upon one single message. This is reflected with a deeply ambiguous ending which leaves one feeling anxious and confused.

Overall, 'Safe' is a masterful piece of work. The team of Julianne Moore and Todd Haynes is (as we have seen with 'Far From Heaven') a match made ... in heaven. I would urge those who appreciate non maintream, thought provoking and unconventional films to give it try, just don't go in with 'Hollywood' expectations as you will be disappointed. Finally, I'd like to end by reiterating what is possibly the film's main strength - the presence of Julianne Moore. This truly is a captivating performance from her, and certainly one of the most astonishing I am likely ever to see. 'Safe' gives us the chance to watch this gifted actress in one of her most underrated, little seen, yet most remarkable roles.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (98 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Safe (1995)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
so...is she really sick? classicleno
Based On True Story ? sir_karl
Perm scene....Do you agree?? horror-head55
Problems of the Rich and Famous sute_neko
Am I the only One? worf666
Did not like-slow and boring! hannahp1
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Heavenly Creatures Donnie Darko Outbreak The Eyes of Van Gogh Restoration
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Thriller section IMDb UK section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.