ICE STORM, THE

SYNOPSIS:
It’s November 1973 in Connecticut. Watergate has caught up with Richard Nixon, the Beatles are recording solo albums, wife-swapping has come to the suburbs. And the Hood family is skidding out of control. Ben Hood (Kevin Kline) is bedding his mistress, next-door neighbour Janey Carver (Sigourney Weaver), who seems oddly disinterested. Ben’s wife, Elena (Joan Allen) is losing patience with her husband’s clumsy lies and is at the end of her tether. Daughter Wendy Hood (Christina Ricci) finds sex games interesting to play with the boys next door, Mikey Carver (Elijah Wood) and little brother Sandy (Adam Hann--Byrd). Son Paul (Tobey Maguire) is pursuing a rich girl from his prep school. The biggest ice storm in 30 years occurs the night after Thanksgiving - that’s when Wendy and Paul are pursuing their individual exploits, and Ben and Elena are at a ‘key-party’, where partners swap…

"Ang Lee’s fascination for the family and the relationships within, is the crux of this beautifully crafted, keenly observed film whose characters are so real, they jump off the screen. Lee has a knack for getting a perfect balance between script, performances and look & feel of the film, in this tapestry of human relationships centered on the family. He has stated that this is a "disaster movie - the disaster hits home". We observe characters being uncomfortable in ordinary and extraordinary situations, and instances where they are not in control. There are some unforgettable moments - like the hilarious scene when Christina Ricci (wearing a Richard Nixon mask) seduces the boy next door, just as Kevin Kline walks in; and the key-party scene is the epitome of emotional discomfort… Perhaps because we are all flawed in some way, seeing the weaknesses in each character, somehow endears them to us. Kevin Kline heads a top cast as the gauche husband/father who is having an affair with his nonchalant but alluring next door neighbour, icily played by Sigourney Weaver. Joan Allen is compelling as the frustrated, cheated wife, implying a multitude of emotions, simmering beneath the surface. The young cast is outstanding, Christina Ricci’s sexually curious Wendy brings all the confusion of teenagers to the fore. The Ice Storm is a haunting, emotional film, with an moving music soundtrack woven together with beautiful images. Ang Lee’s expertise in pacing the build up to the shattering climax, is replete with sensitivity and cinematic skill. This is a gem of observation in human behaviour, an intelligent film that will appeal to thoughtful audiences."
Louise Keller