Review of House of Sand and Fog (2003) by Ron H — 31 Aug 2010
Applauders of Andre Dubus III's novel, which elegantly and with sprawling, decadent prose encapsulates the clash of two divergent cultures - the conflict so definitive of modern American diplomacy and the conflicts of the Middle East - will likely be disappointed by Vadim Perelman's film adaptation.
The screenplay by Perelman and Shawn Lawrence Otto shaves a tremendous amount of the lush, ideological fat away from the marrow of the narrative, and a stark tale is hammered out onscreen: the story of a lost, meandering American woman and an Iranian couple that, however unlikely, become her surrogate parents.
The strengths of the film lie in the two central performances by Ben Kingsley (who else could have brought Colonel Behrani - endlessly supercilious and chivalrous yet undeniably heroic, devoted to the bloody end, alone, to his family's happiness - to such wonderful life?) and Jennifer Connelly, who channels the central childishness of the film's quasi-heroine.
Roger Deakins's vibrant cinematography is unequally matched by the music of James Horner, the most egregiously overrated composer working in Hollywood today, who churns out yet another insipid score.
This review of House of Sand and Fog (2003) was written by Ron H on 31 Aug 2010.
House of Sand and Fog has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
