Posted by Amusing Pseudonym at 1cust53.tnt2.washington.dc.da.uu.net on March 17, 2002 at 21:41:54:
In Reply to: It didn't move me posted by Vincent on March 17, 2002 at 15:36:27:
: : I was just wondering what your beef was with it.
: : Cheers.
: : Adam.
: It struck me as being a very false film, and I really didn't care for any of the characters. Especially the adults- why should I give a fuck about those selfish people and what they go through?
: I did enjoy Sigourney Weaver's performance, but the film felt really fake to me and left me cold, and not because it was set in winter. I normally would just dislike it, but because it's so highly regarded, I hate it. Maybe that's not fair, but it's how I feel.
I agree with Vincent on this one, for the most part.
I was (and continue to be) a fan of Ang Lee's native-language works, but 'The Ice Storm' was one of the few films in recent memory that left no emotional impact whatsoever. Normally I'll feel -something- in the course of a viewing (at the very least anger for having sat through a crap movie), but this one is just plain bankrupt.
[Maybe that was Lee's entire point, but as I'm often told when defending Chris Tucker's performance in 'The Fifth Element' as being perfect for that intentionally annoying character, intent doesn't predicate enjoyment.]
The characters aren't likable (or dislikable) enough to hold one's attention, and all the "events" and "revelations" are painfully telegraphed. I'm reminded of a friend's opinion of 'Buckaroo Banzai', given mid-viewing: "I feel like I'm being punished for something."