It is the fall of 1957. The Whitakers, the very picture of a suburban family, make their home in Hartford, Connecticut. Their daily existences are characterized by carefully observed family etiquette, social events, and an overall desire to keep up with the Joneses. Cathy Whitaker is the homemaker, wife and mother. Frank Whitaker is the breadwinner, husband and father.Together they have the perfect ''50s life: healthy kids and social prominence. Then one night, Cathy discovers her husband''s secret life and her tidy, insular world starts spinning out of control.

Fearing the consequences of revealing her pain and confusion to anyone in her own social circle, she finds unexpected comfort and friendship with her African-American gardener, Raymond Deagan. Cathy''s interactions with Raymond; her best friend Eleanor Fine; and her maid, Sybil, reflects the upheaval in her life. Cathy is faced with choices that spur gossip within the community, and change several lives forever.

Directed by
Todd Haynes

Cast
Julianne Moore - Cathy Whitaker
Dennis Quaid - Frank Whitaker
Dennis Haysbert - Raymond Deagan
Patricia Clarkson - Eleanor Fine
Viola Davis - Sybil
James Rebhorn - Dr Bowman
Bette Henritze - Mrs Leacock

Production Co.
Focus Features
Section Eight
Killer Films
John Wells Productions
Vulcan Productions

Produced by
Steven Soderbergh
George Clooney
John Wells

Studio
Focus Features

Writer
Todd Haynes

Music
Elmer Bernstein