Affliction
vs
The Ice Storm
AfflictionFlawsThere were times when I couldn't understand a word Nick Nolte was mumbling, which made it quite annoying. The ending feels really tacked on, almost as if it was tested and the audiences went "huh? what happened to x, y and z?" forcing them to add it and frankly I could've done without it. Nolte's character takes a fairly sudden turn in his mental state around 2/3rds into it that didn't seem entirely believable. Could've done without the narration aswell.
AttributesA really incredible performance by James Coburn as the abusive Father and Husband. Nolte gives a good performance as does Sissy Spacek, the moments where we see Nolte trying to be a good Father to his daughter are great. It's wonderfully bleak tone and performances really drew me in to this very good character study.
The Ice StormFlawsI didn't really have that many problems with it, at least nothing glaringly obvious, but is there a likeable character in the bunch? Save Tobey Maguire's Fantastic Four reading virgin, it seems to be full of self absorbed and ultimately selfish characters. The audience is given almost no reason to sympathise with any of the characters, which leads to a very detached viewing experience. There's no consequences for any of the characters actions includings people getting caught shoplifting and nothing coming of it and the pacing is fairly poor.
AttributesIt's very obviously set in the 70s, the set design, costumes, makeup, hair etc are all spot on. It's well filmed and the eponimous storm looks great. It's got a great cast and a few very good performances from Klein and Weaver.
VerdictThere's nothing really glaringly wrong with The Ice Storm, especially in comparison to some of Affliction's faults, but sadly there's also not a lot to get excited about. So, although it does have quite a few problems, I'm putting
Affliction through to the next round. Though I don't suspect it will stay around very long.