The Ice Storm (1997)

About The Ice Storm

"The Ice Storm" is an American drama film directed by Ang Lee, based on the 1994 novel of the same name by Rick Moody. The movie, set over Thanksgiving in suburban Connecticut in 1973, focuses on two families, the Hoods and the Carvers, as they grapple with personal and societal changes amidst an ice storm.

Making / Production

The film was crafted by acclaimed director Ang Lee, known for his unique storytelling style. The production crew faced challenges in recreating the 1973 Connecticut setting during filming and painstakingly captured the details to ground viewers in that era. The ice storm's effects were a mix of practical effects and early computer generated imagery, requiring meticulous planning to portray convincingly.

Actors

• Kevin Kline played Ben Hood, delivering a nuanced performance of a man struggling to cope with his failing marriage and societal expectations.
• Joan Allen starred as Elena Hood, effectively portraying a character grappling with a loveless marriage and changing societal norms.
• Christina Ricci played the role of Wendy Hood, brilliantly showcasing the confusion and rebellion of early adolescence.
• Tobey Maguire was Paul Hood, effectively embodying the personification of quiet desperation and self-awareness.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film marked one of the early roles in the careers of Katie Holmes and Tobey Maguire.
• The film was shot in New Canaan, Connecticut.
• The ice storm scenes were created using a combination of practical effects and early computer graphics.

Awards

The film was recognized for its strong ensemble acting and won the Best Screenplay award at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival. It also received two nominations at the 50th British Academy Film Awards.

Quotes

• "Dear Lord, thank you for this Thanksgiving holiday. And for all the material possessions we have and enjoy. And for letting us white people kill all the Indians and steal their tribal lands. And stuff ourselves like pigs, even though children in Asia are being napalmed." - Wendy Hood
• "He used to have a passionate wife, three fine children. Now, what has he got?" - Ben Hood
• "In issue 141 of the Fantastic Four, published in November 1973, Reed Richards had to use his anti-matter weapon on his own son, who Annihilus has turned into the Human Atom Bomb. It was pretty amazing." - Paul Hood

Music, Soundtrack

• "I've Got a Name" by Jim Croce
• "Dirty Love" by Frank Zappa
• "Help Me Make It Through the Night" by Sammi Smith
• "Too Late to Turn Back Now" by Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
• "Hurdy Gurdy Man" by Donovan