House of Sand and Fog (2003)

About House of Sand and Fog

The film, 'House of Sand and Fog', released in 2003, is a gripping drama based on the novel by Andre Dubus III. It centers around a house auction and the events that unraveled as two worlds collide; two rightful owners of a house on the California coast. The plot weaves an engaging narrative of personal rights, obsessions, and desperation which inevitably leads to countless conflicts. Kathy Nicolo, a former drug addict, is wrongly evicted from her house due to unpaid business taxes, while Colonel Behrani, a former Iranian military officer, seeking the American Dream, purchases it.

Making / Production

The film is directed by Vadim Perelman, who makes his directorial debut. The tight and emotive script was penned by Perelman and Shawn Lawrence Otto. The atmospheric cinematography was achieved by Roger Deakins.

Actors

• Jennifer Connelly as Kathy Nicolo: She masterfully switches between vulnerability and defiance, escalating the tensions in every scene.
• Ben Kingsley as Colonel Massoud Amir Behrani: Kingsley delivered a commanding and poignant performance as a proud man reduced to working menial jobs.
• Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nadi: Portrayed a quiet but strong-minded woman, maintaining an impressive presence throughout the film.
• Ron Eldard as Lester Burdon: Played an emotionally compromised deputy who becomes entangled in the property dispute.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The house used in the film was specifically built for the movie and was later torn down.
• Jennifer Connelly used music to get into the mindset of her depressed character.
• Ben Kingsley used his grandfather's experiences as an immigrant for inspiration.
• It was director Vadim Perelman's feature film debut.

Awards

This powerful film was honored with three Academy Award nominations including Best Actor for Sir Ben Kingsley, Best Supporting Actress for Shohreh Aghdashloo, and Best Original Score composed by James Newton Howard.

Quotes

• "Who are you to say whatever I better do?" - Kathy Nicolo
• "You have my life in this box." - Colonel Massoud Amir Behrani
• "This house is my son's birthright." - Colonel Massoud Amir Behrani

Music, Soundtrack

• The score by James Newton Howard sets a haunting, melancholic tone.
• The soundtrack features tracks from Iranian singer Ebi.