Smilla's Sense of Snow

Although Danish novelist Peter Hoeg was able to defuse audience disbelief in a fairly outlandish plot with his intricate portrayal of the fiercely independent, melancholic, brilliant, and very tough Smilla Jaspersen (here, gamely played by Julia Ormond), director Bille August's adaptation relies on too much plot and not enough character. When a young boy falls from a snow-covered roof, fellow apartment complex resident Smilla (who befriended the boy) suspects foul play. Embarking on an all-or-nothing crusade, Smilla is aided by a mysterious neighbor (Gabriel Byrne), as her pit bull-like search takes her from uncovering bizarre records of a strange mining expedition in Greenland to a modern day, suspense-laden trip aboard an ice-cutter on a shadowy mission headed up by a villainous doctor (Richard Harris). While unable to match the depth and resonance of Hoeg's page-turner, the film does remain true to the novel both in plot and spirit, even if it can't quite convincingly recreate Smilla's incredible senses. A strong optional purchase. (R. Pitman)