Rating of
4/4
American Beauty review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 07/13/11
I never thought I would watch this film because of its hype. The debut of this talented film director was on display. The flawless cast includes Kevin Spacey (the stressed Lester Burnham), Annette Bening (the insecure wife) and Thora Birch (troubled teenager Jane). It also stars Chris Cooper as Col. Frank Fitts and Mena Suvari (Angela Hayes). This drama made me laugh at certain scenes. So many symbolisms and critics have analyzed the film. This speaks of volume of its influence on human nature. Repressed feelings are one of the emotions displayed by Lester. Family is another premise conveyed by the picture. Spending time with Jane and not making love to Angela as if she was a daughter. Another subject that I felt was touched upon was the feeling of belongingness. This is what the characters of the film are craving for. I cannot find a film more realistic as this. The troubles of each family members emotions were displayed, to the point that it is comical in a sense while watching, but to some a bitter reality. One can easily relate to each characters misfortunes. A few memorable lines: Lester - "Both my wife and daughter think I'm this gigantic loser and they're right, I have lost something. I'm not exactly sure what it is but I know I didn't always feel this... But you know what? It's never too late to get it back."
American Beauty won Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay at the Golden Globe Awards. It was nominated for 8 Academy Awards, it won 5 (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Spacey), Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography). It won 6 of 14 awards in the British Academy Film Awards (Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress (Bening), Best Cinematography, Best Film Music and Best Editing). Awards or no awards, I personally felt the music, script, cinematography, acting and camera movements were seamless. At least the critics/fans agree that this is a film for the ages and one of the most scrutinized based on the brilliant screenplay. Why dissect a film? Just simply enjoy the movie. Such as life, the plastic bag sways anywhere the wind blows. And in the words of Lester, "beauty is found where it is least expected.” I found that out after purchasing this beautiful DVD a few years ago, no regrets since it included wonderful special features much to my surprise aside from the flawless thought-provoking movie.
