Safe (1995)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Todd Haynes

Writer:

Todd Haynes (written by)

Release Date:

30 June 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Thriller | Drama

Tagline:

In the 21st century nobody will be...Safe.

Plot:

An unexceptional homemaker in the suburbs develops multiple chemical sensitivity.

Plot Keywords:

Retreat | Psychiatrist | Illness | Housewife | Environment

Awards:

3 wins & 6 nominations

Cast

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

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

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M | Finland:K-11 | France:U | Portugal:M/12 | UK:15 | USA:R | Netherlands:12

Filming Locations:

Brandeis-Bardin Institute - 1101 Pepper Tree Lane, Simi Valley, California, USA

Company:

American Playhouse Theatrical Films

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.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003)

Soundtrack:

Turn Your Love Around

Gripping - with a masterful performance from Julianne Moore

'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.