Review of House of Sand and Fog (2003) by Andy A — 07 Mar 2009

A tragic human drama that moves like the mystical fog that shrouds the entire movie. It is effective in many ways but also ineffective in others. The compelling premise sets up a perfect conflict but the first hour or so is dragged out painfully in a way that would have been much more effective in Andre Dubus's novel.

That said, the pacing was all over the map. On top of that we have a rather flat supporting performance from Ron Eldard and sadly enough, Ben Kingsley, who he has his moments to shine but goes a bit overboard in a few scenes; highly uncharacteristic of an actor with such immense talent.

But the movie is not without its redeeming qualities: especially when it comes in the form of Shohreh Aghdashloo who plays up the somewhat quiet yet stoic Iranian housewife struggling to find her strength amidst the folly crafted by her desperate but prideful husband.

But the Connelly's depiction of the sad-sac down-on-her-luck/in-over-her-head female lead makes the impact of this powerful immigrant tale somewhat difficult to swallow at worst, frustrating at best.

Ultimately,rather than leaving the audience enlightened or remorseful, instead leaves us feeling more like feeling "well...sh*t happens".