THE HOUSE OF SAND & FOG (2003) by jeff

Cast: Ben Kingsley, Jennifer Connolly, Frances Fisher, Kim Dickens, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Navi Rawat, Ron Eldard

Directed By: Vadim Perelman
Written By: Vadim Perelman & Shawn Lawrence Otto
Based on the novel By: Andre Dubus III
Cinematography By: Roger Deakins
Editor: Lisa Zeno Churgin



This is Jennifer Connolly at her best and coincidently her sexiest role yet

No insult to Naomi watts who is a great actress but as she always finds a way to good roles and always stays on top of the Hollywood rat race in terms of work is how I always thought Jennifer Connolly’s career would be but after the remake of DARK WATER she appeared in one really good film (LITTLE CHILDREN) but the rest of her roles feel beneath her. After this film her star waned as she seemed to play little supporting roles where she seemed to only add to the star power or just starring in dud films. This film shows her talent and powerful range.

It only adds to the film that the rest of the cast is just as good as her Ben Kingsley underplaying his acting for a change since as of recently he has been going over the topin his roles. Shohreh Aghdashloo As his wife like the film her role is quietly heartbreaking

This film is bleak and is more about culture and it’s characters then anything on the surface it is about a house that has been sold underneath struggling Jennifer Connolly by a middle eastern family who has saved up and spent their life savings on the house. They are willing to sell it back to her but for more money then they paid for it. When legally it looks like nothing can be done Connolly stars a dangerous downward spiral until she hooks up with a cop who hassles the family until it all comes to a head and leads to a string of tragedies

The film is not a classic or a favorite of mine but it’s hard not to notice it’s quality but it is a really understated gem. One f those oscar pedigree films that is actually worth the hype and lives up to it’s stature. It’s definitely not a feel good movie. It is emotionally effective. A master class in acting and empathy.

I can see why people would think this film is slow but the length and pace never bothered me going into the film I knew next to nothing about the film but it kept me intrigued the whole time.

I believe this film bombed more or less because it was a downer an amazing film to watch but the end is so shockingly sad it makes you numb.

A Must See.

GRADE: A-