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American Beauty (DVD)

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American Beauty (DVD)

Quote-start

It really is that good

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5 Feb 14th, 2001 

3 Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful

Advantages:
Billiant, funny, different, thought provoking

Disadvantages:
Not the ending you wanted, but you were expecting that

Recommendable Yes:

Detailed rating:

Did you enjoy it?

Story

Characters / Performances

Special Effects

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Pulpdiction_1999

Pulpdiction_1999

About me:

I've worked in the telecoms industry since leaving university 3 years ago. I am renown for having a...

Member since:06.02.2001

Reviews:29

With his first production for the silver screen director Sam Mendes has created a film that really does live up to it’s name – it’s a real beauty. It tells the story of Lester (Kevin Spacey), a man fed up with his mundane existence, his ‘stepford wife’ and his oh so grateful daughter for either of who he can do nothing right. From the moment the film starts and Lester announces that he only has one year to live, although he doesn’t know that yet, the film becomes instantly more intriguing than it first seems. It’s a classic black comedy about a man who doesn’t know what he wants from life but he knows it’s not what he’s got – and things will have to change.

In the beginning of course Lester doesn’t know his life is mundane, but he’s about to be awakened from this mundane slumber that is his life by a chance encounter with his daughters cheerleader friend, would be supermodel Mena Suvari. From that and subsequent meetings Lester is a changed man, he’s had enough and he’s going to tell people that, starting with his wife Carolyn (Annette Benning), she’s obnoxious, overbearing and treats Lester with utter contempt – she’s an estate agent.

Lester is transformed from being a carpet for everyone to walk over to a man who is in control, he buys a new car, starts to get in shape and acts like a teenager when around his daughters beautiful friend, which is painful viewing for anyone who has ever found themselves lost for words when speaking to someone you are attracted to.

There are several sub plots such as the relationship between Lester’s daughter and the new boy who live next door and his relationship with his brutal father.

Mendez fully deserved his Oscar for this is truly a wonderful account of the final year in the life of an unhappy man who takes his life back for a short time and enjoys the last few months of his time on Earth With a sure footed dialogue and Kubrick like cinematography I would feel happy recommending this film to most.
 

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American Beauty [DVD] [2000]

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a mesmerising confidence and acuity epitomised by
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American Beauty [DVD] [2000]

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From its first gliding aerial shot of a generic suburban street,American Beautymoves with ... more

a mesmerising confidence and acuity epitomised by
Kevin Spacey's calm narration. Spacey is Lester
Burnham, a harried Everyman whose midlife
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American Beauty (DVD) - review by thingywhatsit

Advantages: Close to truth.
Disadvantages: The truth is sad.

American Beauty (DVD) - review by thingywhatsit thingywhatsit 09.11.2004 · Read review
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American Beauty (DVD) - review by redcockney

Advantages: The acting is on the whole superb
Disadvantages: The humour is a little twisted and is often at the expense of certain minority groups.

American Beauty (DVD) - review by redcockney redcockney 09.08.2000 · Read review
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American Beauty (DVD) - review by Xamis

Advantages: Funny, Thought Provoking, Well made and acted, Great music
Disadvantages: You'll want to watch it again, too much to write about

American Beauty (DVD) - review by Xamis Xamis 01.02.2001 · Read review
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American Beauty (DVD) - review by lily7star

Advantages: Original!
Disadvantages: Hype

American Beauty (DVD) - review by lily7star lily7star 22.03.2001 (22.03.2001) · Read review
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American Beauty (DVD) - review by maxshreck

Advantages: well-shot, acted, directed
Disadvantages: --

American Beauty (DVD) - review by maxshreck maxshreck 26.03.2002 · Read review
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