Review of House of Sand and Fog (2003) by Martin I — 28 Aug 2011

KIngsley is a powerhouse, Connelly and Aghdashloo are superb. A very, very slow burner with an unexpected unfolding of events, the film casts a bleak yet memorable imprint on the mind. That said, it's not perfect.

Eldard's character, although intentionally flawed and impulsive, seems to ruin some of the proceedings; all the while being fairly central and integral to them. It may come down to a matter of opinion, but his scenes with Connelly and co don't quite match up to those shared by the three aforementioned actors. The "romantic" relationship between he and Connelly, and the related family matters, comes across only as a poor diversionary sub-plot, that slows down the meatier proceedings with Kingsley and the house in question.

The direction, at times, is also lacking in quality and balance. Attempts at suggestive, meaningful imagery are lazy and insubstantial and pacing becomes an issue as the length of the film draws on.

Still a cracking piece of cinema. It could've been slightly darker even, for my personal taste, but this is a minor gripe if one at all. Connelly and Kingsley especially deserve to be seen here and the latter's firm, noble and often frightening performance is the main reason to check this out.