American Beauty

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Allison Janney, Peter Gallagher, Mena Suvari, Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Box Office: $130,096,601
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Awards: 5 Academy Awards 1999- Best Picture, Best Actor (Kevin Spacey); Directors Guild of America Award (Sam Mendes), Writers Guild of America Award (Alan Ball)

Summary:Lester (Kevin Spacey) and Carolyn Burnham (Annette Bening) appear to be an ordinary couple that live in suburbia. Lester narrators the tale centered around his midlife crisis, and as the dark true story is revealed, it becomes clear that once you look closer, the ordinary lives aren't what they seem to be. Lester's awakening occurs when he sees his daughter, Jane's (Thora Birch) cheerleader friend (Mena Suvari). His behavior is helped by their strange next door neighbor (Wes Bentley) who helps shape not only Lester's life, but Jane's as well.

Review:

Tim: If you win the Oscar for Best Picture, that pretty much speaks for itself. I really, really enjoyed this film. American Beauty is the dark look at suburban life as well as a chilling view into "ordinary" people. Kevin Spacey is just tremendous in this film, and Annette Bening is extraordinary as well. Youngster Wes Bentley is quite chilling and turns out a remarkable performance. I loved everything about this movie.

This is the type of film that makes you put your own life under the microscope. As soon as I finished the 2 hour and 35 minute movie, I had to stop myself from putting it in and watching it again. The film is so captivating, and so remarkable, that a second look is simply a necessity. I believe this film can teach all of us something about life, and will entertain us while it does it. American Beauty is the type of film that truly deserves all the recognition and awards that it has received.

Sam Mendes deserves incredible praise for his directorial debut. Screenwriter Alan Ball also deserves much respect for this extraordinary movie.

If you haven't yet seen this movie, I recommend you pick up a copy and watch it. This film is simply incredible, and well worth watching. I am sure you will enjoy it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 9.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Green Mile, The American President, The Usual Suspects