House of Sand and Fog (2003)

Director: Vadim Perelman

Starring: Jennifer Connelly, Ben Kingsley, Ron Eldard

An abandoned wife is evicted from her house and starts a tragic conflict with her house’s new owners.

Now that I’ve seen the movie and knowing how it ends, I have mixed feelings about it. There’s no denying the performances are fantastic. Both Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley are incredible in their respective roles, but this is such a somber and depressing movie…

Jennifer Connelly stars as Katy, who is being evicted from her home after it is being repossessed for tax payments. Behrani (Ben Kingsley) purchases the house on an auction, but soon thereafter it is discovered “there’s been a mistake” regarding Kathy’s owings, and she now wants the house back. Only, Behrani and his family already settled in their new home, and – if he was to sell – he would do so at the going market price.

So, Behrani is somehow depicted as the bad guy in the scenario. But why? He did nothing wrong. He legally purchased the house, and what’s wrong with wanting to sell it at a profit? That’s not a crime. And why should he care about the previous owner and her private affairs?

I viewed Kathy as the antagonist – together with the new love of her life – a policeman named Lester, who goes against the law interrogating and threatening Behrani. He is the true antagonist and a character you’re going to hate. ‘House of Sand and Fog’ is bound to divide viewers. Some will vouch for Kathy, while others will vouch for Behrani and his family, who truly are wonderful, caring people.

By the time the movie ends, its just too depressing. Is it a good movie? Yes, I suppose. The stunning performances made it more worthwhile. This is an interesting look at events that spirals out of control, resulting in tragedy.

‘House of Sand and Fog’ received 55 award nominations (including 3 Oscar nominations), winning 13.

Would I watch it again? No.