Review of House of Sand and Fog (2003) by Manny C — 10 Mar 2011

Before it sort of flies off the rails, this wonderful adaptation of Andre Dubus III's novel is one hell of a movie. Ben Kingsley is firing on all cylinders as Behrani, a former colonel who served in the air force of the Shah of Iran. Behrani now resides in Northern California, with his wife, Nadi (Shohreh Aghdashloo, in the film's best performance), and their teenage son, Esmail (Jonathan Ahdout). He works menial jobs to support them, but Behrani believes things are starting to look up when they get a house at auction. Except for one thing: the house's former owner Kathy (Jennifer Connelly, wonderful), a junkie who lost it for unpaid taxes, won't give it up. The legal battle that ensues between Behrani and Kathy speaks volumes on issues of class and race.

Ukrainian-born director Vadim Perelman makes a wonderful debut, alert to nuance and simmering emotions. When Kathy encounters Nadi on a random visit to her former house, Nadi offers nothing but sympathy. Aghdashloo, an amazing Emmy-winning Iranian actress, is an elegant presence, who nails every emotion and line. She cuts deep.

Ditto the film, which kicks into explosive drama when Behrani is threatened by Lester (Ron Eldard), a married cop who takes a liking to Kathy. It's a knockout.