Years before Julianne Moore worked alongside famous directors such as the Coen Brothers, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Steven Spielberg, she had already graced us with one of her finest performances in Todd Haynes sophomore feature film Safe (1995). Safe follows Carol White (Moore), a dissociated homemaker that feels herself becoming sick for no apparent reason. Over the course of the film she begins to contract serious physical symptoms that test her relationships and sanity.
Director Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven, Carol) is on record stating that his clinical psychological drama Safe was “not an easy sell”. Even with a budget of one million dollars it took the star power of an emerging Julianne Moore to get the film green-lit. In 1993 Moore had a role in Robert Altman’s Short Cuts which, to this day, is most likely one of the highest honors you could bestow upon an emerging actor. Even with all of these factors at play, audiences couldn’t quite grasp Haynes’ vision upon initial release. Thankfully it’s popularity has grown over the years, and it’s large following has prompted the legendary Criterion Collection to re-release the film on Blu-ray/DVD for audiences who have never had the chance to see it before.
One of Safe’s most admirable qualities is its ability to change into something new at any moment without warning. We begin the film with Carol’s daily life in the suburbs where she experiences heavy dissociation with the world around her. Nothing seems to be correct and the air actually begins to feel toxic to her. This leads to one of the most shocking sequences in the film, which takes place at a dry cleaners shop and Carol has a seizure due to a fumigation crew. Eventually she commits herself to what is essentially a “well being” center called Camp Wrenwood. Here at the camp we are introduced to Lester, who is perhaps the most interesting character in the whole picture. Lester is so crippled by his own sickness that he refuses to eat normal food and wears special clothes that cover his entire body. He never speaks a word but the image of him roaming the seemingly endless desert is sure to be the one that lingers in your memory the most after viewing.
Alex Nepomniaschy is the man behind the camera on this one. He may not be a household name but I bet you’d want him to shoot your movie after seeing his work on this. The 35mm photography is just spectacular. I particularly like that Nepomniaschy is able to examine both the clinical high-class suburbs and the cult-like ghost town in equal measure; it’s a nice visual change in the second half. The wide shots in this film are something to behold.
Safe is a truly one of a kind movie that holds many questions regarding mental illness and environmental issues. Over the last twenty five years I would argue it has become more relevant now than when it was first released. This is an iconic piece of ‘90s cinema that continues to impress even the most seasoned film fans. If you would like to watch Todd Haynes’ SAFE it is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel and is available for purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
Moore, in the performance of her career, gives us a glimpse inside Carol’s wounded soul and psyche. She may look frail and ill on the outside, but actually she is not. Her true illness comes within from whatever past traumas she endures, and its the most terrifying thing I think I ever saw placed on film.
By far my favorite film by Todd Haynes, and he has any great ones since.
I remember when this film came out nobody even heard of it, I am happy it picked up momentum over the years and now its considered one of the best films of the 90s, and it deserves that commendation.
I’ve never seen this but it sounds interesting.
Watching this film now all feels very post-modern and Haynes delivered a very delicate and eerily empathetic film about immunity and how it could be controlled by the human psyche.
Safe is an American masterpiece, it’s one of Julianne Moore’s best performances. Right up there with Sill Alice, The Hours, Boogie Nights and Magnolia. I love how how non-judgmental the “safe” ranch was.
Great review and I couldn’t agree more with the insight of persecution of perception in this film.
A really sad study of how one loses control, or even worse it could also be a study in how we might not have that much control if who are to begin with. As misanthropic as it sounds, the final shot is far from being cynical
I’ve been wanting to see this film, after discovering it in JM’s filmography. This sounds fascinating. And nice to hear the cinematography is interesting too. I’m looking forward to seeing it.
I’ve never seen this film, but it looks very good! Julianne Moore is a brilliant actress!! I’ll be sure to watch this soon!
Great movie which has stayed with me long after I first saw it. There was no ignoring Julianne Moore after it came out. And yes, the image of the lone person walking the fields is definitely burned into my consciousness.
What an amazing review! You guys should do a Todd Haynes retrospective since I see you guys do those from time to time. Safe is actually my favorite film directed by Todd Haynes. This is how I would rank them.
1-Safe
2-Far From Heaven
3-Carol
4-Mildred Pierce
5-I’m Not There
6-Poison
7-Dark Waters
8-Velvet Goldmine
9-Wonderstruck
This movie sounds and looks fantastic
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