Safe (1995)

An affluent and unexceptional homemaker in the suburbs develops multiple chemical sensitivity.

Director:

Todd Haynes

Writer:

Todd Haynes

Stars:

Julianne Moore, Xander Berkeley, Dean Norris

4 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Julianne Moore	...	Carol White
Xander Berkeley	...	Greg White
Dean Norris	...	Mover
Julie Burgess	...	Aerobics Instructor
Ronnie Farer	...	Barbara
Jodie Markell	...	Anita
Susan Norman	...	Linda
Martha Velez	...	Fulvia (as Martha Velez-Johnson)
Chauncey Leopardi	...	Rory
Saachiko	...	Dry Cleaners Manager
Tim Gardner	...	Department Store Dispatcher
Wendy Haynes	...	Waitress
Allan Wasserman	...	Client (as Alan Wasserman)
Jean St. James	...	Client's Wife (as Jean Pflieger)
Steven Gilborn	...	Dr. Hubbard

Storyline

"Safe" has been described as a horror movie of the soul, a description that director Todd Haynes relishes. California housewife Carol White seems to have it all in life: a wealthy husband and a beautiful house. The only thing she lacks is a strong personality: Carol seems timid and empty during all of her interactions with the world around her. At the beginning of the film, one would consider her to be more safe in life than just about anyone. That doesn't turn out to be the case. Starting with headaches and leading to a grand-mal seizure, Carol becomes more and more sick, claiming that she's become sensitive to the common toxins in today's world: exhaust, fumes, aerosol spray, etc. She pulls back from the sexual advances of her husband and spends her nights alone by the TV or wandering around the outside of her well-protected home like an animal in a cage. Her physician examines her and can find nothing wrong. An allergist finds that she has an allergic reaction to milk but explains ...

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Plot Keywords:

psychiatrist | retreat | illness | housewife | pollution | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for a sex scene and brief language

Details

Official Sites:

Sony

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 June 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Chemical Syndrome

Filming Locations:

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

Box Office

Gross:

$512,245 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Playhouse Theatrical Films, Killer Films, Chemical Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the shot of the White family photos, real pictures of Julianne Moore from childhood and high school were used.

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Quotes

[last lines]
Carol White: I love you. I love you. I really love you. I love you.

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Connections

Referenced in A Decade Under the Influence (2003)

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Soundtracks

"Slow Water"
Performed by Brian Eno and Robert Fripp (uncredited)
Written by Brian Eno
Published by EG Music c/o BMG Songs, Inc., ASCAP
Courtesy of Virgin EG Records Ltd./Caroline Records Inc.

User Reviews

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.