Analysis Of The Film 'The Ice Storm'

1. Regardless of the example chosen, the film The Ice Storm directed by Ang Lee, is littered with evidence of collapsing authority, whether it be the political or religious but, a more superficial and prominent portrayal would be through the relationships of the films lead characters, from neighbours to family members. An obvious example of this can be seen when Ben Hood is waiting in the bedroom for Janey Carver to return while his daughter and her son, Wendy and Mikey, are about to have sex in the basement. (The Ice Storm, Ang Lee) Ben walks in on them, interrupting the two. Besides the hypocrisy of the situation, what Ben says illustrates the brake down of a sense of authority over his daughter. “I think, at fourteen years of age, that

This scene draws on an idea that Ben can be the authoritative figure in Wendy’s life but breaking his own rules of morality. He gives Wendy advice on her problem while he is in a worse one himself. Ben’s idea of authority over Wendy is more relatable to the silent erosion that Kierkegaard talks about because Ben isn’t succeeding with this method so it can’t be perceived as an over throw of traditional authority but more the crumbling effect of the opposite

One of the many themes throughout the film is that everyone is searching for freedom in their own way. Each character is written in such a way that through the arc of the film or the coming of the ice storm, metaphorically speaking, they try to break free from what ever circumstance is holding them confined. A prominent example that stands out to me is the Key party scene, this idea that you vow your faithfulness to a person but at this party you can break your commitments and it’s acceptable because you and all your neighbours are doing it to be free for one night. More discreetly is Paul Hood’s pursuit of freedom, and how he is cast under the shadow of his friend, who is stealing the girl Paul likes. Paul is trying to free himself in a sense that he tries to get Libbets to prove himself. Ultimately, each character attempts to bring meaning to their life, each through ulterior ways more destructive to the people around them whether or not their goals are