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By
WAYNE KLEIN
Possessing dreams can
sometimes be like chasing a rainbow; it becomes
about the pursuit in the hope that the pursuit
will make it real. We are what we possess. But the
things we pursue, the things we value often fade
into the background like a momentary illusion.
We're left with the actions that defined those
moments where we sought to take something as our
own. "House of Sand and Fog" focuses on the
collision of two dreams and the tragic
consequences for all concerns. Ben Kingsley plays
Benranhi a former Iranian Colonel who lost his
country, his dream and his life when religious
revolution shook up his country. He and his wife
(Shohreh Aghdashloh) and children are now a family
of refugees. This once proud and powerful man
reduced to working odd jobs to make ends meet
finds solace when he discovers a house along the
beach that has been put up for sale. In its own
humble way the house reminds him of the home he
shared with his wife along the Caspian Sea.
Kathy (Academy Award Winner Jennifer Connelly
)also has been dispossessed in her own way. Her
husband has left her and she's struggling with
recovery from that blow and alcoholism. It's her
home that Kingsley purchases whisked away by the
county for a delinquent tax debt that she doesn't
owe. With the support of the Sheriff's deputy
Lester (Ron Eldard in a terrific supporting
performance) that forced her out and a lawyer
(Frances Fisher) fighting the county, she's
determined to take back the home her father left
to her when he died. The home stores all of her
memories, hopes and dreams embodying a different
life she seeks to repossess. The conflict between
these two strong willed and once proud people
turns nasty with a number of surprising twists and
turns in the plot.
The widescreen anamorphic transfer looks amazingly
sharp reproducing the tiny particles of the fog
that shrouds the home of the title in great
detail. Likewise, the muted colors are reproduced
extremely well. The detail and resolution of the
images have a rich texture that immediately draw
you into the drama. The sound mix makes subtle use
of the 5.1 Surround Sound capacity enveloping the
listener and drawing one in with ease.
The Behind-the-Scenes featurette provides little
insight into the film and works as little more
than an advertisement for the film itself. While
some of the sliced and diced comments of the cast
and crew could have provided more insight into the
process of preparing for the character. I'd also
have been interested in hearing the comments from
the director and cast between them and how they
managed to work together towards the unified
vision of the film. All right, I also want to see
the dirty laundry aired as well. The most valuable
extra has to be the audition footage of co-star
Shohreh Aghdashlo. She's both amazing and riveting
in the film. Seeing the audition footage for her
it's clear why the director cast her. Her
performance even in the audition footage grabs
your attention immediately.
The commentary track featuring actor Ben Kingsley
and the director gives viewers an intimate glimpse
into the onset relationships, performances and
thoughts behind the making of the film. It's much
more interesting and valuable than the featurette.
Kingsley's effusive praise of his co-stars and
observations allow us to peak behind the curtain.
A riveting and powerful drama, "House of Sand and
Fog" features a number of outstanding
performances. This rich but sad tale focuses on
the dreams of the past that elude us and can taint
our present and future. The image and sound
quality are both outstanding. While the featurette
is nothing special, the powerful audition footage
fascinates. The commentary by Ben Kingsley and
director Perelman provides considerable insight
and entertainment. |
