Review of Life as a House (2001) by Sean P — 23 Mar 2013

This movie has always have been and always will be one of my favorite movies of all time. Ever since I first saw it back in 2001 until now. Anytime I watch this movie, or even hear a snippet from the soundtrack it almost breaks me down.

Released in October of 2001 and directed by Irwin Winkler, this film tells the story of a man diagnosed with a terminal disease and how, with the little time he has left, he tries to connect with his son and wife before he goes.

This movie is beautifully cast with Kevin Kline as the lead along with Kristin Scott Thomas, Hayden Christensen (pre Anakin Skywalker), Jena Malone, Mary Steenburgen and even a small role from Scott Bakula.

Everybody involved brings their absolute A-game here. From the direction to the score, it's all what every film should strive to be. I'd almost say it's as perfect as a modern film as we can get.

This is the kind of movie that I'd imagine an actor gets a script and can't put it down until the very end. The kind of script they call their agent right back and tell them they have to be a part of this.

I can remember driving down the highway and listening to this score on CD, shortly after my wife passing away. I remember the themes of this film and I remember that while life can hurt, it can also be so amazing.

This is the kind of film that I will always be able to watch, no matter what age I am. I will always remember how real everything here felt. The performances by the cast were nothing less than perfect.

Even Hayden Christensen is here in his most teen-angsty but if fist the story perfectly. I almost feel that if he hadn't done the Star Wars prequel films he'd have turned out all right. I can't recommend this movie enough for anybody with teenagers or actually, anybody at all.

Such an amazing film that touches on life and death in a way movies rarely do. It really is such an honest look and love and family, an amazing film.