With me it's what you see is what you get - but as you can't see me, God knows what you're getting!
With me it's what you see is what you get - but as you can't see me, God knows what you're getting!
Member since:11.07.2000
Reviews:130
Members who trust:37
This film got so much hype at the time of release that for a few months it’s all that was discussed in the film world. Numerous Oscar nominations have made it as a must watch for many people. There are few films in my eyes that actually live up to the praise they receive in the Oscar ceremony and I expected this one to fall short of the hype. SO I thought I’d give this one a try and see for myself when a friend offered to lend me his DVD copy.
The film focuses on 5 or 6 main characters and their individual trials and tribulations of living in today’s society. Kevin Spacey plays the main lead as a normal middle-aged American guy working in the magazine industry. He is having marriage difficulties; problems relating to is daughter and problems at work.
Spacey’s character basically decides that he’s had enough with his current life. He becomes very “taken” with one of his daughter’s friends and her flirting with him is one of the main factors influencing
his life style change. We see his metamorphosis and at the same time his interactions with the other characters, all pursuing “beauty” - beauty in terms of body, mind and lifestyle.
I’m not going to go into too much detail, as you should discover the storyline gradually as you watch the film. All the characters are introduced slowly and the film builds up to a fairly good climax. The pivotal character for me is the boy next door with the abusive father. He is obsessed with filming everything and looking for the real beauty behind the world.
My interpretation of the film is that as a society we all put on fake faces and hide behind facades. People in general are obsessed with image - it is rammed down our throats in the media. Our music stars are required to have the right look rather than the right sound. Our models are too thin with little inner beauty. Need I go on?
The characters in this film all strive for “American Beauty”. Spacey strives for recognition in society that ignores individuality, his wife (played by Annette Bening) strives for business success and for the life she never had as a kid. The daughter wants the perfect breasts and a perfect life with perfect parents and boyfriend.
In contrast, the object of Spacey’s desires is supposed to be and have the American Beauty that everyone else is striving for. She’s good looking, popular with the right people, she’s experienced if you know what I mean. She apparently has it all. But does she?
The boy next door has had mental problems - mainly due to his father’s abusive nature. He is the only one that sees the beauty in everything (even death). He and his supply of drugs are the catalysts to Spacey’s newfound happiness.
If there is a moral of the story then it’s that true happiness and beauty can only be achieved when you accept that society’s idea of beauty is skewed. Beauty is what you want it to be; and beauty is not a homogenous product available for few to be admired by many. The most “beautiful” people in the film are a gay couple who barely feature (one is played by Scott Bacula- of Quantum Leap fame). Their beauty arises from the fact that they have accepted who and what they are and they made no pretence to hide their relationship/sexuality. They are happy in themselves and appear to consequently have a fulfilled life.
Obviously my interpretation is my own and may be far from the mark. The film may have been made on the basis of totally different philosophies – I don’t really care to be honest. What I can be sure of, however, is that the film wasn’t made just for the sake of it! There are no big eye catching stunts. There is no superhero action! There’s a plot but more important there’s a message behind it!
It’s funny, it’s heart-warming, and it’s heart breaking. It’s well worth watching but choose your moment carefully. It’s not a pile in the lounge to watch a movie film. It’s a watch at a quiet time movie on your own or with your partner. It’s an 18 certificate not because of excessive sex or violence but because it’s not a kiddie film. the acting is impressive on all counts with big star and star of the future.
I didn’t bother watching the DVD extras as I was quite taken with the film. But if the extras appeal to you, then you can watch two theatrical trailers, a behind the scenes featurette and a storyboard presentation.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Drama - Director: Chazz Palminteri - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz, Paul Walker, Alan Arkin, Marcus Thomas, Donna Hanover, Robin Williams
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 2007 - Drama - Director: Mike Binder - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett, Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrows, Donald Sutherland, Mike Binder
Production Year: 1998 - Drama - Director: Carl Franklyn, Carl Franklin - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Meryl Streep, William Hurt, Renee Zellweger, Tom Everett Scott, Nicky Katt, Lauren Graham
Have to agree with you there - this is certainly a modern classic and the perfect antedote to the typical Bruckheimer/Bay nonsense {maybe British Mendes' influence has significance} - I'm terrible at analysing films so your insight is really haelpful - some people said ths film was too obviously pro-gay relationships but I think that's a slightly naive interpretation - your view was certainly more plausible. Thanks again.
Nameless 01.05.2001 10:18
Good op of a great film, thanks :o)
seteo 31.03.2001 18:32
Superb op.!. It's definately one of those films which I wish I could just sit down and watch for the first time all over again, know what I mean ? - no I'm talking crap, aren't I?!. Anyway, great op.!! ;)
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![American Beauty [DVD] [2000]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78526734.jpg "American Beauty [DVD] [2000]")
Mar 18th, 2001
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