Life as a House
Kevin Kline stars as George, a down-on-his-luck architect in this tearjerker from Irwin Winkler (At First Sight, Guilty By Suspicion). A disdainful local character who draws disapproval from the community, particularly his neighbor played by Mary Steenburgen, George sets out to change his life after suddenly losing his longtime job and discovering he's terminally ill (he has cancer). Attempting to reconnect with his estranged and troubled son, Sam (Hayden Christiansen), George endeavors to spend the summer they have together building his dream home by the sea. The laborious process leads to the rebuilding of dissipated relationships, the birth of new ones, and all-around healing.
Director: Irwin Winkler
Starring: Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Hayden Christensen, Jena Malone, Mary Steenburgen
Kline is one of the rare major actors not afraid to look like hell. And given his character's plight, his willingness to get physically unpleasant matches the emotion he brings to the part.
This movie lets you feel something. Like George's house, if not his life, it's built well and full of heart.
Works as a heart-warming, involving experience.
Because it is slick and classy and good to look at, and the actors are well within their range of competence, you can enjoy the movie on a made-for-TV level, but you wish it had been smarter and tougher.
Kline, in particular, has the spark and know-how to overcome some awfully belabored writing and situations.
Audience Favorite Feature
Aspen Filmfest (2001)
Best Casting for Feature Film, Drama
Casting Society of America (2002)
Best Supporting Actor
Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards (2002)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Golden Globes (2002)
Best Character Makeup - Feature
Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards (2002)
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