Life as a House

Life as a House is a compelling drama film released in 2001, drawing its viewers into an emotionally profound journey of a man's final summer and his attempt to mend his relationships while rebuilding the house of his dreams.

Kevin Kline delivers a remarkable performance as the central character, George Monroe, an architect who is at a crossroad in his life. George is dismissed from his job due to his avant-garde designs which do not align with his firm's tastes. On the same day, he collapses and is subsequently diagnosed with terminal cancer. This triggers a sober reflection on how his life has turned out—a failed marriage, a tempestuous relationship with his son, and an unfulfilled aspiration of living in a house he designed and built himself. Instead of succumbing to despair, George decides to use his final months to fulfill that dream and repair his fractious relationships.

Hayden Christensen gives an earnest performance as George's teenage son, Sam, who is struggling with drug abuse, bitter resentment, and the confusion of adolescence. Sam's goth image, complete with piercing, makeup, and purple hair, is a symbol of a rebellious youth desperately seeking attention, purpose, and affection. When George announces his intentions to tear down an old shack and construct a new house, he recruits Sam for the summer.

Though initially hostile and rebellious, Sam gradually warms up to his father's project. In the process of building the house together, the father-son duo confront their personal issues and begin to reconstruct their strained relationship. By metaphorically tearing down the old and establishing the new, they attempt to mend the broken lines of their past and create something beautiful in its place.

Kristin Scott Thomas is incredible as George's ex-wife, Robin. Still carrying some apprehensions and mixed emotions about her relationship with George, she finds herself increasingly drawn into the project. As she helps in small ways and jumps from her current life constraints, Robin becomes a crucial part of George's battle and exploration of new beginnings.

George's neighbors also become an integral part of the story and his journey, providing a background of diverse characters who are impacted by George's project and his relentless will to live his life to the fullest. The dynamics between the characters pull audiences into a web of emotions, as George's struggle evokes sympathy, empathy, anger, and ultimately, inspiration.

The core of Life as a House lies in its metaphoric essence. It takes immense skill to weave a poignant narrative around a house-building project, but the film accomplishes it with beautiful cinematography and a compelling script. The house symbolizes George's longing to create something meaningful and enduring. More than just a structure of wood and nails, it's a testament to the idea that it's never too late to start over, to tear down the old and build anew.

The film exceptionally demonstrates that everyone has the power to redefine their lives, regardless of physical illness or personal crisis. Director Irwin Winkler masterfully manages to keep the tone from turning too sentimental, offering an honest insight into themes of reconciliation, redemption, family, and love.

The excellent soundtrack, composed by Mark Isham, adds another emotional layer to the narrative. The poignant notes and melodies resonate with the movie's theme of hopefulness amidst sorrow, contributing to the profound emotional impact felt by the viewers.

With strong performances from the talented cast and a beautifully written metaphorical screenplay, Life as a House provides a heartfelt exploration of reconstructing strained relationships, fulfilling long-held desires and accepting one's mortality. While the theme of death and terminal illness could turn a plot into a grim narrative, Life as a House is delicately balanced with humor, optimism, and the power of human resilience.

In the end, Life as a House is more than a movie. It is an evocative portrayal of a man choosing to live his life to the fullest in the face of death and using his last days to leave behind something precious—a loving family united by a beautiful house, the embodiment of his life's dreams and love.