The Ice Storm (1997)

A.K.A. the good version of AMERICAN BEAUTY.

As a giant fan of the book before the film happened, I wasn't able to watch the film on its own merits. I remember being puzzled by Lee made the kids uglier, and the adults all more attractive. Looking forward to revisiting.

I always meant to catch the Fox version of the DVD since it got cheaper and cheaper. Alas--the Criterion version comes out in March, hooray.

What's the opposite of ham-handed? Everything - the acting, the dialogue, the direction - in this movie seemed so natural despite the subject matter and the Nixon-mask shenanigans. I'm remembering how quiet the movie felt in places, in a very thoughtful way. I'd like to see it again.

Hate to keep digging these old ones up, but I don't believe I'm alone in saying that these films always deserve more discussion, and I just had the pleasure of seeing this for the first time. It's a very good film, but I disagree with it being better than American Beauty. It's less known, and it didn't win any Oscars, so it kind of has that going for it, since when two films are alike and one wins a lot, it's usually labeled as being worse, overrated, or pretentious. I love American Beauty, and in my mind it's a far better film, but Ice Storm certainly isn't too shabby either.

Beautiful film. Cinematography is amazing. The repeated cuts to the television felt a bit "Look, it's the 70's" but I'm sure I'm missing their significance.

Great performances all around, too.

I knew very little about this beforehand, other than some of those involved. Being very fond of this type of story, I'm quite a hard sell. It didn't take long to convince me, though. Gripping from start to finish and filled with great performances (especially Maguire, Ricci, and Kline.) This thread is really making me want to break out with this, actually. Wonder Boys too.

The phrase "parental units" really clicked with me. I still use it now and again.

I'm pretty sure Radiohead's "House of Cards" is based on it.

One of the best WPWP films I've seen in quite a while. It's just mean enough, just sensitive enough, just harsh enough, just warm enough. The performances are all reserved, with a dry sense of humor. Pretty much everyone hits that same tone (except for Elijah Wood, who is just warm and cuddly. And Joan Allen, who plays wife-on-the-edge very well.)

All the actors are excellent. I keep on coming back to Kevin Kline, but then Weaver really gets a chance to spread her wings, Joan Allen expresses great emotion with silence, and then all the kids are great (esp. the nervous little brother). Yeah, all the actors are excellent.

The cinematographer is excellent. He captures the dark, cold, damp feel of the forest beautifully. Totally immersive. ('Immersive', catchword of the season, or what?)

What fascinates me is 'Why did Ang Lee choose this story and this family and this social milieu?' He's Tawainese. How could he identify with an upper-class white American family? Is this film his opportunity to explore a new world? The camera is certainly distant enough to conclude this. Or maybe it's his opportunity to show what he's observed about America. Or maybe he just liked the story and the themes. Regardless, its' kind of fascinating me. Guess I'll seek out some interviews.


Now, I have to add, b/c I'm Mexican and grew up lower-class: Where are these films for the lower class? THE ICE STORM nicely dissects and observes the dynamics of a family of a particular social class. Where's the film which dissects the lower class America with as much insight and sensitivity? Too bad DeSica, Rosselini, and Fellini are dead.