House of Sand and Fog (HBO) - Released 2003

About House of Sand and Fog

"House of Sand and Fog" is an intriguing drama film released by HBO in 2003. It is based on the best-selling novel by Andre Dubus III. The plot revolves around a dispute over a house following a bureaucratic mistake. Two sets of people, Kathy Nicolo, the house's former owner, and the Behranis, recent immigrants from Iran, feel they are the rightful owners and the tension escalates. This compelling narrative delves into themes such as morality, justice, and the allusive American Dream with a gritty realism.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Vadim Perelman, who made his directorial debut with "House of Sand and Fog." It was produced by Michael London and Vadim Perelman, with a screenplay by Perelman and Shawn Lawrence Otto. The movie was filmed in various locations in California, capturing the beautiful yet vacant scenic seascapes that mirror the desolation and tension experienced by the characters.

Actors

• Jennifer Connelly as Kathy Nicolo: Connelly gives a heart-wrenching portrayal of a woman who is evicted from her home due to a misunderstanding.
• Ben Kingsley as Colonel Massoud Amir Behrani: Kingsley plays a proud Iranian refugee and former colonel who sees the house as a means to regain his family's lost dignity and status.
• Ron Eldard as Lester Burdon: Eldard breathes life into the character of a law enforcement officer who gets entangled in the dispute, reaching unintended heights of desperation.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was the first film directed by Vadim Perelman.
• Ben Kingsley received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for his performance in the film.
• The film explores themes of immigration, the American Dream, loss, and tragedy.

Awards

The film received several nominations, including three Academy Award nominations for Best Actor (Ben Kingsley), Best Supporting Actress (Shohreh Aghdashloo), and Best Original Score. Ben Kingsley also received a nomination at the Golden Globes for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama.

Quotes

• "Who am I to judge you? I am no one. And who could come to you without shame?" - Kathy Nicolo
• "Our situations are the same.... We need money... We have no buffer. We are both one small step from disaster." - Colonel Behrani
• "What choice have I left her, Lester? I have to try, I have to try." - Kathy Nicolo

Music, Soundtrack

• The evocative score for "House of Sand and Fog" was composed by James Horner, who also received an Academy Award nomination for his work on this film.
• The soundtrack creates a haunting, melancholic atmosphere that reflects the desolation and tragic narrative of the film.