The Ice Storm - A Movie Review

Better not go out in the ice storm tonight.

The Ice Storm was predicted in theaters in 1997. Based on the novel written by Rick Moody, the story takes place in New Canaan, Connecticut in 1973. Relationships are tested in a set of families. Cheating and understanding relationships, one night an ice storm sets everyone apart.

The Ice Storm is the best example of how to approach modest subtlety. I have watched this film twice now. Relationships play an enormous factor in this film. Character decisions are not agreeable. That is what the nature of the story abides by.

The cast includes Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Christina Ricci, and Tobey Maguire. I did not recognize Weaver at first. This is a very different role from what she normally plays. Not just Weaver, but the entire cast experimented with noteworthy character choices.

The film also includes the talents of Henry Czerny, Elijah Wood, Adam Hann-Byrd, David Krumholtz, and Kate Burton. The cast analyzed their characters. In a mix of coming-of-age and adulthood, love is hard. Not having the best communication, the family lets their problems cause a rift.

The first observation you should know about The Ice Storm is that you don’t have to agree with character decisions. There’s something bothering everyone. I like how any film follows an assortment of characters and not just one. In this case, the characters are of different generations which makes it more intriguing,

Wendy is the best example. Wendy (Ricci) is an abrasive young girl who needs to learn some respect. After you think about her attitude, maybe it’s the way she learned based on observing her parents. Her behavior is uncomfortable, along with what she does with the youngest neighbor at the end of the film.

Ice is a prominent character. Let’s discuss the title of the film. The rainstorm is always present even when it’s not happening. Weather is not what the film is about, but it’s what forces the characters together. There’s a foreboding tension in the atmosphere.

The same goes for conversations. Characters are always talking about an assortment of topics, but never the situation at hand. They’re scared to approach it. I like the way the cast examined dialogue, delivering with icy approaches (no pun intended).

The film has a quiet tone to it. It’s not hollow. The film may appear tedious, but every scene is vital to the story. Ang Lee did a great job signifying relationships, camera angles, and distinguishing the complex storylines. Lee filmed quick scenes which get to the point.

Once you hit puberty, the truth is, relationships are never easy. Themes in The Ice Storm are relatable to all audiences. Family is complex. You don’t see too many films that explore human emotion.

The Ice Storm is not a film for younger audiences. As much as we don’t want to talk about it, The Ice Storm is an example of what could happen if you keep to yourself. The parents spend more time running away from their problems than confronting issues for the sake of their children. This is a film that needs to be talked about right after finishing it.

The Ice Storm may appear to be a slow-paced film but there is more when you unravel its several layers. Watch this film with patience. If anything, the outcome teaches families or couples to talk to one another instead of keeping secrets. Hiding secrets worsens the situation.

On your next evening when you’re inside due to bad weather, I recommend that you watch The Ice Storm.