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Written by Mark Andrus (As Good as it Gets), Life as a House stars Kevin Kline as a man who decides to build his dream home when he discovers he is terminally ill. In the process, he tries to mend his relationships with both his troubled son and his ex-wife.

Hayden Christensen (the next Anakin Skywalker) takes on what is apparently a very gritty, serious role as Kline's estranged son. Kline takes custody of the boy and enlists his assistance in working on the house. Kristen Scott Thomas plays the ex-wife.

Though Life as a House is described as a dramedy, it appears to deal with some heavy issues, particularly in the case of Christensen's character, who dabbles in drugs and prostitution. The box-office prospects for this film will become clearer as trailers are released and we see New Line's marketing approach. The fact that the studio has given Life as a House a November date for wide release does indicate a certain level of confidence in the film's potential, and it is already being mentioned as an Oscar contender. (Kim Hollis/BOP)

Vital statistics for Life as a House Main Cast Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas Supporting Cast Hayden Christensen, Mary Steenburgen, Jena Malone Director Irwin Winkler Screenwriter Mark Andrus Distributor New Line Cinema Trailer Click Here for Trailer Official Site http://www.lifeasahouse.com/ Rating R Running Time 125 minutes Screen Count 29 Awards 2001 Aspen Filmfest - Audience Award-Audience Favorite Feature 2001 USA National Board of Review - NBR Award for Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actor (Hayden Christensen) Awards page for Life as a House Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture

Comparison films for Life as a House
Title	Date	Opening	Adjusted Opening	Screens	PSA	Adj PSA	Total BO	Adjusted Total	Mult
Stepmom	12/25/98	19.14	24.60	2358	8117.00	10038.1	91.03	117.03	4.76
As Good as it Gets	12/26/97	12.61	16.56	1572	8022.00	10136.7	147.65	193.96	9.22
Mirror has Two Faces, The	11/15/96	12.21	16.65	2489	4906.00	6437.7	41.27	56.30	3.38
Postcards From the Edge	9/14/90	7.87	11.24	1013	7769.00	10677.8	38.27	54.68	4.85
One True Thing	9/18/98	6.61	8.49	1590	4157.00	5140.9	23.34	30.00	3.53
Wonder Boys	2/25/00	5.81	6.49	1253	4637.00	4989.7	19.22	21.50	3.30