Cast
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Leelee Sobieski
as Ruby Baker
Diane Lane
as Erin Glass
Stellan Skarsgård
as Terence Glass
Trevor Morgan
as Rhett Baker
Chris Noth
as Uncle Jack
Bruce Dern
as Alvin Begleiter
Kathy Baker
as Nancy Ryan
Michael O'Keefe
as Dave Baker
Vyto Ruginis
as Don
Gavin O'Connor
as Whitey
Carly Pope
as Tasha
China Shavers
as E.B.
Agnes Bruckner
as Zoe
Michael Paul Chan
as Mr. Kim
Rachel Wilson
as Hannah
Crew
Director
- Daniel Sackheim
Writer
- Wesley Strick
Producer
- Neal H. Moritz
Reviews
Gimly
There was really no intrigue in _The Glass House_ which is missing a pretty fundamental step when you're making a mystery/thriller.
_Final rating:★½: - Boring/disappointing. Avoid where possible._
Jan 22, 2019
Wuchak
***Sad drama with Leelee Sobieski and Stellan Skarsgård switches to thriller***
A suddenly orphaned teen girl (Leelee Sobieski) & her little brother start a new life in Malibu with their guardians (Stellan Skarsgård & Diane Lane), who might not be the caring friends of their parents they seem to be. Bruce Dern is on hand as a lawyer.
“The Glass House” (2001) starts as a melancholic drama with the general plot, setting and tone of “Poison Ivy” (1992), but without the lethal Lolita angle. It eventually morphs into a suspense/thriller à la “Enough” (2002), just don’t expect Leelee to change into Rambo, like J-Lo.
Sobieski as protagonist Ruby is one-dimensionally sullen, which fits the situation, but it gives a lifeless vibe to the proceedings. Some critics claim the last act is predictable, but it's really not, excepting the fact that two people ultimately square off (which is obvious from the beginning). I'd cite examples but don't want to give away spoilers.
The film runs 1 hour, 46 minutes, and was shot in Malibu & that general area of Los Angeles.
GRADE: B-
Aug 7, 2019
RalphRahal
The Glass House is one of those movies that might not blow you away but keeps you intrigued with its unsettling vibe. The cold, modern house perfectly mirrors the eerie atmosphere, creating an unsettling backdrop for the story. The cinematography uses this to its advantage, making the environment feel as much a part of the tension as the characters themselves. Leelee Sobieski delivers a standout performance, convincingly portraying her character’s growth and determination amidst the unfolding mystery. Stellan Skarsgård adds another layer with his chilling yet restrained presence, keeping you on edge even when the story feels familiar.
Sure, the plot leans toward predictable territory, which seems to be a sticking point for critics, but the film’s strength lies in how it teases the possibility of different outcomes. Even if the ending plays it safe, the journey there has enough intrigue to hold your attention. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a solid thriller with good acting, a cold and unsettling tone, and just enough tension to make it worth a watch. If you’re in the mood for something straightforward yet atmospheric, it’s a decent pick.
Jan 11, 2025
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Glass House examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Daniel Sackheim brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2001, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Glass House took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $30.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 253 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2001, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Glass House shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ladies in Lavender, which focuses more on action than character development, The Glass House subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Jersey Girl and The Hitcher explore similar territory, The Glass House stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 14, 2001
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Revenue: $23,619,609
