Todd Haynes is an American director known for his unique and unconventional approach to filmmaking.
His films often explore complex and controversial themes, and his use of non-traditional narrative structures and visual styles has made him a highly influential figure in the world of independent cinema.
Here are some of Todd Haynes’ best films and why you should watch them:
“Safe” (1995) – This film follows the story of a housewife who begins to suffer from a mysterious illness that doctors are unable to diagnose.
“Safe” is a haunting and disturbing exploration of the human condition, and features a powerful performance from Julianne Moore.
“Far from Heaven” (2002) – Set in the 1950s, this film tells the story of a housewife whose life is turned upside down when she discovers that her husband is gay.
“Far from Heaven” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of love, loss, and societal expectations.
“I’m Not There” (2007) – This film is a biographical drama that tells the story of musician Bob Dylan through multiple interwoven storylines, each featuring a different actor portraying a different aspect of Dylan’s persona.
“I’m Not There” is a fascinating and unconventional exploration of fame, identity, and artistic expression.
Best Todd Haynes Movies
Todd Haynes’ films are known for their unconventional narratives, unique visual styles, and explorations of complex and controversial themes.
They are intellectually stimulating, emotionally rich, and visually striking, making them a must-watch for fans of independent cinema.
1. Poison (1991)
“Poison” is a 1991 experimental film directed by Todd Haynes, and is not an Atom Egoyan film.
It is a collection of three separate stories, each exploring themes of desire, identity, and repression.
The film was highly controversial at the time of its release, and is now considered a groundbreaking work of queer cinema.
While it is not an Egoyan film, it is an important work in the history of independent cinema and an influential example of avant-garde storytelling.
![Poison (1991) ( Venena ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - France ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PXVPM0hqL.jpg)
2. Safe (1995)
“Safe” (1995) is a film directed by Todd Haynes and stars Julianne Moore in one of her early leading roles.
The film tells the story of Carol White, a housewife from the San Fernando Valley who begins to experience a mysterious illness that doctors are unable to diagnose.
As Carol’s illness worsens, she becomes increasingly isolated from her family and friends.
She seeks out alternative treatments and eventually ends up at a New Age retreat, hoping to find a cure for her illness. However, even as she tries to take control of her life, her symptoms continue to worsen, leading her to question the very nature of her existence.
“Safe” is a haunting and powerful exploration of the human condition, as well as a critique of the New Age movement and the medical establishment.
The film is visually striking, with Haynes using a muted color palette and slow pacing to create a sense of unease and discomfort.
Julianne Moore’s performance as Carol White is extraordinary, capturing the character’s sense of confusion, fear, and desperation.
Overall, “Safe” is a thought-provoking and emotionally challenging film that is considered one of Todd Haynes’ masterpieces.
It is a must-watch for fans of independent cinema and those interested in exploring complex themes such as illness, identity, and societal expectations.
3. Velvet Goldmine (1998)
“Velvet Goldmine” is a 1998 musical drama film directed by Todd Haynes, and is not an Atom Egoyan film.
The film is set in 1970s London, and follows the rise and fall of a fictional glam rock star named Brian Slade (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers), as well as the journalist (played by Christian Bale) who investigates his career and mysterious disappearance.
“Velvet Goldmine” is known for its stylized visuals, flamboyant costumes, and its tribute to the glam rock era of the 1970s.
It features a strong ensemble cast, including Ewan McGregor, Toni Collette, and Eddie Izzard, and is notable for its use of original songs and covers of classic glam rock hits.
While it received mixed reviews upon its release, “Velvet Goldmine” has since gained a cult following and is considered an important work of queer cinema and a visually stunning example of postmodern storytelling.
4. Far from Heaven (2002)
Far from Heaven is a 2002 drama film directed by Todd Haynes, starring Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, and Dennis Haysbert.
The film is set in the 1950s and explores themes of race, gender, and sexuality.
The plot revolves around Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore), a seemingly perfect suburban housewife who is married to Frank (Dennis Quaid), a successful executive. However, their seemingly idyllic life is shattered when Cathy discovers that Frank is gay.
In the midst of dealing with this revelation, Cathy befriends Raymond Deagan (Dennis Haysbert), an African-American gardener, which leads to backlash from her community.
The film is notable for its use of vivid color and music reminiscent of the 1950s, as well as its sensitive treatment of the social issues it explores.
It was critically acclaimed upon its release, earning numerous award nominations, including four Academy Award nominations.
5. I’m Not There (2007)
“I’m Not There” is a biographical drama film released in 2007, directed by Todd Haynes. The movie is a unique interpretation of the life and music of the legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.
The film features six different actors who portray various aspects of Dylan’s life, including his early years as a folk singer, his transition to rock music, his conversion to Christianity, and his reclusive period in the late 1960s.
The actors who play Dylan include Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl Franklin, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, and Ben Whishaw.
“I’m Not There” is known for its unconventional narrative structure, with multiple plotlines and a nonlinear timeline.
The film’s soundtrack features many of Dylan’s songs, performed by various artists including Cate Blanchett, who received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Dylan.
The film received positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for its innovative approach to the biopic genre.
Blanchett was also widely praised for her performance, and the film was nominated for numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Blanchett.
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6. Carol (2015)
Carol is a 2015 romantic drama film directed by Todd Haynes and based on the novel “The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith.
The film stars Cate Blanchett as the eponymous Carol Aird, a wealthy, married woman who falls in love with Therese Belivet, a young department store clerk played by Rooney Mara.
Set in the 1950s, the film follows the forbidden relationship between Carol and Therese, as they struggle to navigate their feelings for each other in a society that is hostile to their relationship.
The film also explores themes of gender, class, and sexuality, as well as the power dynamics in Carol and Therese’s relationship.
The film received critical acclaim upon its release and was praised for its direction, performances, and cinematography.
Both Blanchett and Mara were nominated for Academy Awards for their performances, and the film was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
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7. Wonderstruck (2017)
“Wonderstruck” is a 2017 drama film directed by Todd Haynes and based on the illustrated novel of the same name by Brian Selznick.
The film tells two interconnected stories set fifty years apart, both revolving around deaf children who embark on quests for identity and connection.
The first story is set in 1927 and follows a young deaf girl named Rose (Millicent Simmonds) who runs away from home to find her idol, silent film actress Lillian Mayhew (Julianne Moore), in New York City.
The second story takes place in 1977 and follows a young boy named Ben (Oakes Fegley) who is also deaf, and who runs away from home in Minnesota to find his father in New York City.
The film is notable for being largely silent in its portrayal of Rose’s story, relying on visuals and music to tell her tale.
Ben’s story, on the other hand, is presented in a more traditional narrative style. As the two stories unfold, the film explores themes of family, loss, and the power of museums and their collections to connect people across time.
“Wonderstruck” received positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the film’s visual style and the performances of the two young leads.
The film was also nominated for various awards, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
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8. Dark Waters (2019)
Dark Waters is a 2019 legal thriller film directed by Todd Haynes and starring Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, and Tim Robbins.
The film is based on the true story of Robert Bilott, a corporate defense attorney who takes on an environmental lawsuit against DuPont, a major chemical company.
The plot follows Bilott’s investigation into a series of unexplained deaths and illnesses in a small West Virginia town, which he eventually links to the nearby DuPont facility.
As Bilott digs deeper, he uncovers evidence that DuPont had been knowingly polluting the town’s water supply for decades with a toxic chemical known as PFOA.
His quest for justice becomes a personal and professional obsession that takes a toll on his health and relationships.
The film has been praised for its powerful performances and its sobering portrayal of corporate greed and its impact on people and the environment.
It sheds light on the harmful effects of industrial pollution and the difficulties of holding corporations accountable for their actions.
The film was based on an article published in The New York Times Magazine, and has been credited with helping to raise public awareness about environmental issues.
3 Characteristics of Todd Haynes Films
Todd Haynes is a highly regarded filmmaker who has directed several critically acclaimed films. Here are three characteristics that are often associated with his work:
Non-linear narrative: Many of Haynes’ films feature non-linear storytelling, where the narrative jumps back and forth in time or alternates between different storylines.
This approach can create a sense of fragmentation or disorientation, but it can also allow for complex character development and thematic exploration.
Attention to historical detail: Haynes often sets his films in specific historical periods and pays close attention to the details of those eras, from the costumes and set design to the music and cultural references.
This attention to detail can create a sense of authenticity and immersion for the viewer.
Exploration of marginalized identities: Haynes’ films often focus on characters who are marginalized or oppressed in some way, such as queer people, women, or people with disabilities.
He is known for his nuanced and sensitive portrayal of these characters, and for exploring the intersection of their identities with broader social and political issues.
3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Todd Haynes Films
Unique and Thought-Provoking Storylines: Todd Haynes is known for crafting films with unique and thought-provoking storylines that explore complex themes such as gender, sexuality, and social justice.
His films often feature unconventional narrative structures and non-linear storytelling that keep the viewer engaged and thinking.
Strong Performances: Haynes has worked with some of the most talented actors of our time, and his films often feature strong performances that are both nuanced and emotionally powerful.
Whether it’s Cate Blanchett in “Carol” or Julianne Moore in “Far from Heaven,” the performances in Haynes’ films are always a highlight.
Visually Stunning: In addition to his captivating storytelling and strong performances, Haynes is also known for his visually stunning films.
He has a keen eye for detail and often uses color and composition to create beautiful and memorable images on screen. From the lush, colorful world of “Far from Heaven” to the moody, noir-inspired visuals of “Mildred Pierce,” Haynes’ films are a feast for the eyes.
Best Todd Haynes Films – Wrapping Up
Todd Haynes is a critically acclaimed filmmaker known for his unique storytelling, visually stunning films, and strong performances. Here are some of his best films:
Carol (2015) – A beautifully crafted romantic drama set in the 1950s, featuring exquisite performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
Far from Heaven (2002) – A melodrama that pays homage to 1950s Hollywood films, exploring themes of race, sexuality, and gender, with an excellent performance from Julianne Moore.
Safe (1995) – A haunting and powerful exploration of modern anxiety and illness, featuring a remarkable performance from Julianne Moore.
Velvet Goldmine (1998) – A glam rock musical drama that explores the themes of identity, sexuality, and artistic expression, featuring a strong performance from Ewan McGregor.
I’m Not There (2007) – An unconventional biopic of Bob Dylan that features multiple actors portraying the different stages of his life, including Cate Blanchett, Heath Ledger, and Christian Bale.
Haynes’ films are diverse in subject matter and style, but all showcase his unique vision and storytelling prowess. Whether you’re interested in dramas, romances, or biopics, Haynes’ films offer something for everyone.
