House of Sand & Fog (B or 3/4 stars)
If the 'House of Sand & Fog' (directed by Vadim Perelman) sounds depressing, that's 'cause it is. Based on a novel, this film tells the story of an Iranian political refugee family who desire a stable life in America. However, Kathy (Jennifer Connelly), an emotionally unstable addict, & former owner of the house that this family now inhabits, is mistakenly charged for unpaid taxes and needs it back. She forms a haphazard relationship with an abusive officer; whose intent is to force the Iranian family to leave the house for her. Things end tragically – I actually couldn’t believe what I was watching as it unfolds. Simply put, this is an extremely well-acted downer. Respect it, love it, or ignore it if you wish.
After Amir Behrani (Ben Kingsley), former colonel in Shah's regime, uses his savings on a wedding for his daughter, he spends the rest on a house at an auction. He then aims to re-sell it for a certain profit. The extra money would also help fund his son's education. What Amir doesn't know is that Kathy, recently evicted, is homeless & wants her house back now! He doesn't care about her woes. Neither she to he. But now they're in a legal battle which leads to some potentially deadly confrontations. One wants the American dream, the other wants her deplorable life to get back on track. What happens when two people are driven to desperate measures? You'll find out in this grim, gripping 2 hour tale of domestic melodrama.
Jennifer Connelly portrays 'lowly' just as well as she did in Requiem for a Dream. Her tears, fears, struggles & anger are honed to perfection in this story. I was riveted to her every nuanced action or utterance. Ben Kingsley earns what will probably be an Oscar nomination; his performance is truly great; gut-wrenching in the end, as well. And Shohreh Aghdashloo is absolutely heartbreaking in her portrayal as his wise, dutiful wife named Nadi. Her & Kingsley single-handedly make this an unforgettable emotional experience for all those who watch this movie.
'House of Sand & Fog' is challenging to watch because slowly & steadily, normal human beings are pushed to the brink of acting irrationally & dangerously. Be forewarned: the metamorphosis is NOT pleasant. Some things are unbelievable to witness (crazy plot twists pop-up). The movie starts well, but the ending approaches exasperating dismality (like watching a train steamroll towards a trackless ravine). You want things to work-out for every individual on screen, but you know in the back of your mind that that just can't be possible. Watch the film for the acting, if not for the torture.
After Amir Behrani (Ben Kingsley), former colonel in Shah's regime, uses his savings on a wedding for his daughter, he spends the rest on a house at an auction. He then aims to re-sell it for a certain profit. The extra money would also help fund his son's education. What Amir doesn't know is that Kathy, recently evicted, is homeless & wants her house back now! He doesn't care about her woes. Neither she to he. But now they're in a legal battle which leads to some potentially deadly confrontations. One wants the American dream, the other wants her deplorable life to get back on track. What happens when two people are driven to desperate measures? You'll find out in this grim, gripping 2 hour tale of domestic melodrama.
Jennifer Connelly portrays 'lowly' just as well as she did in Requiem for a Dream. Her tears, fears, struggles & anger are honed to perfection in this story. I was riveted to her every nuanced action or utterance. Ben Kingsley earns what will probably be an Oscar nomination; his performance is truly great; gut-wrenching in the end, as well. And Shohreh Aghdashloo is absolutely heartbreaking in her portrayal as his wise, dutiful wife named Nadi. Her & Kingsley single-handedly make this an unforgettable emotional experience for all those who watch this movie.
'House of Sand & Fog' is challenging to watch because slowly & steadily, normal human beings are pushed to the brink of acting irrationally & dangerously. Be forewarned: the metamorphosis is NOT pleasant. Some things are unbelievable to witness (crazy plot twists pop-up). The movie starts well, but the ending approaches exasperating dismality (like watching a train steamroll towards a trackless ravine). You want things to work-out for every individual on screen, but you know in the back of your mind that that just can't be possible. Watch the film for the acting, if not for the torture.