The Ice Storm (1997)

Directed by Ang Lee
Written by James Schamus, based on the novel by Rick Moody
Starring Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Joan Allen, Christina Ricci, Elijah Wood

My Advice: Wait for MST3K.

Most people have not heard of this film, so warning them about it does no good.  There's a reason why you haven't heard of it.  What could you do for a marketing campaign?  "Come back with us to those rolicking years of the 1970's and watch two dysfunctional families dysfunction!"  I know you want to sign up right now.  It's the Braveheart Syndrome, people.  The critics love the film but I don't get the point of it all.  It tries to make a deep philosophical statement, using an extended simile regarding the Fantastic Four, a Nixon mask, and molecules.  However, the only true statement it makes is deep, reaching symbolism that doesn't seem to lead to anything..  Ang--we tolerate this kind of behavior from Lynch.  We don't need it from another.  Although it's great to see Jamey Sheridan (The Stand) again, and Weaver does the best she can in the role she's given, nothing can prepare you for the ludicrous tragedy that constitutes the climax of the film, in which a character essentially commits suicide. I, for one, was glad, because that meant less leaves in the gene pool.  The tragedy was the fact I was late for Wings of the Dove and saw this instead.