“House of Sand and Fog” (Dreamworks Pictures)
“House of Sand and Fog” is the movie version of the novel by Andre Dubus, which was an “Oprah” selection. The movie stars Sir Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly. They play two people on a collision course to tragedy as they battle over a house located in Northern California. The film is very intense and almost unbearable in its harshness, but it delivers a message that can be used as a preventative.
At the start of the film a woman named Kathy (Connelly) is living in “the house.” She is a former drug addict who just can’t get her life together. Her husband has left her and she is living a numbed out existence, not opening her mail and barley answering her phone. Thus she is unaware that her home has been sold to pay the taxes on it.
She becomes aware of this when a sheriff’s deputy (Ron Eldard) shows up with an eviction notice. She manages to get herself together enough to consult with an attorney (Francis Fisher) who determines she has been evicted through error. But by now the house has been sold to an Iranian immigrant named Behrani (Kingsley) who has no intention of giving up the house.
Kathy becomes involved with the deputy named Lester (Eldard) and he tries to coerce Behrani to give up the house. Behrani is unmoved by either persuasion or threats, and the situation soon spirals down to a confrontation. One false move on anyone’s part will lead to tragedy.
The movie is intense from start to finish with each actor being absolutely perfect for his/her role. Kingsley has never been so ramrod stiff and distinct. He plays a former military man and he has the bearing and the attitude, which are perfect for the role. He is able to make the character guilty of many things but understandable in others. Since you can’t hold Behrani totally at fault for what happens, you have to look for guilt in other places.
This of course leads to Kathy, who is within her rights but culpable in her negligence. Connelly gives her just the right amount of vulnerability and stubbornness. Unlike her role in “A Beautiful Mind,” this role gives Connelly’s full range of acting talent a chance to be seen.
The supporting cast is also excellent. Eldard is a standout as the love struck Lester. Shohreh Aghdashloo is heart breaking as Behrani’s subservient wife, and Jonathan Ahdout is amazing as their son Esmail.
Together the troop of actors makes this a film not to be missed. It will hold you spellbound, and leave you devastated. To be sure, you will not soon forget it.
The movie is rated R for profanity and violence.
“House of Sand and Fog” is an important movie in that it contains brilliant acting and a story that touches the hearts of all. Watch for this one to be in consideration for all the top awards of the year.
I scored “House of Sand and Fog” a windswept 8 out of 10.
