Review of The Ice Storm (1997) by Bryan W — 15 Aug 2010

Perhaps one of the best written films I've ever seen. On the surface it appears to be a relatively simply family drama, but rarely are families in these situations portrayed so accurately.

In every single scene, they make the pressures of interpersonal conversation painstakingly accurate; as in real life, adults rarely say what they mean, and when they do, it's such a bomb shell that it sends shock-waves through that relationship that color every subsequent interaction. Though sentiments are often clear on the faces of the characters, people in the scene rarely take note, and when someone says something embarrassingly wrong, no one is emotionally capable of shutting them up.

The standard nature of these interactions may make the plot seem innocuous, but by becoming so caught up in the pageantry of how to conduct themselves, the adults manage to go long stretches without bothering to see what's happening to their children; when they see the results and not the causes, their first reaction is parental anger, followed by an attempt to save face and reconcile. Unfortunately, by the end, at least one circumstance is shown in which there can be no reconciliation.

Of course, this wonderful dialogue couldn't be conveyed without the subtle, beautiful performances by a cast actually worthy of being called an ensemble.

While making the actors the stars of the film, Lee brings his refreshing outsider's perspective to Thanksgiving and his beautiful artistic flourishes into each composition. Put simply, I cannot think of a better drama.