Word: Rumors

Both Imitation of Life and Far From Heaven are written with characters who are afraid of what they are and the gossip that can expose them. Both films show high society with its parties and dresses but both also show how beneath that superficial layer is the malicious judgment of others. There is a caricature presented in Far From Heaven of the perfect family that is easy to spot as to good to be true. Characters conform to society in order to keep the rumors at bay. Any variation from the norm can cause ruin. Everyone decides to mimic each other in order to keep their own version of sanctity in their communities, whether it is along the lines of race or sexuality.