Giving opinions for several years and showing like a fine vintage
Giving opinions for several years and showing like a fine vintage
Member since:11.07.2000
Reviews:625
Members who trust:55
American Beauty was the 1999 big award winner, was it worthy of all the praise? In a word yes. It has a great script, great acting and is well directed. It also has a great look at a suburban american life that isn't all roses and actually doesn't have a happy ending. But what I like is that it's darkly funny.
BRAD[reading Lester's job description] "My job requires mostly masking my contempt for the assholes in charge, and, at least once a day, retiring to the men's room so I can jerk off while I fantasize about a life that less closely resembles Hell"
The above is just one primary example of the great dialogue that is bitter and sums up what a lot of people in dead end jobs feel. For those that haven't seen the film then let me summarize the plot. Kevin Spacey plays Lester Burnham, a middle aged man in a downhill marriage to his wife Carolyn (Annette Bening). His teenage daughter is very nagst ridden, the three of them don't get along. Lester is going nowhere until he lays eyes on his daughters alluring friend who awakens him from a slumber and inspires a change. He gets into shape, smokes pot, quits his job etc. but all good things must come to an end and this is no different. There is a lot more going on including the secrets of his new neighbour and his son.
The dvd itself has some good features. The film is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The picture quality is near flawless bar a few minor print blemishes. But the reds of the roses are stunning and generally it's hard to find anything bad.
Sound is in Dolby Digital 5.1. As it's a drama it doesn't really require a great deal of surround effects. However the front stage is very well mixed with the score sounding very solid. My region 1 version also has a DTS version that is just more punchier and has more depth to it.
The extras start with a 25-minute 'making of' that features interviews with cast and crew as well as Steven Spielberg. There's not a great deal of behind the scenes footage but it gives a good insight into the film.
The other main feature is a storyboard presentation that runs for an hour. Ir features video clips of the storyboards for the film and how they shape up against the final cut. Director Sam Mendes and Cinematographer Conrad Hall discuss the look of the film over the top. Generally looking at storyboards for an hour can be quite boring but the conversation between Mendes and Hall is quite interesting from a film-making standpoint. Some people may find it boring though.
Along with the film there is an audio commentary from Mendes and writer Alan Ball. it's a good track that discusses ideas for the film, what the writing process was like and how everyone got involved in the film. It also mentions some deleted scenes that aren't to be seen on the dvd.
Finally there are the trailers and the usual cast/crew biographies as well as production notes. Region 1 owners have the DVD-Rom option of viewing the screenplay alongside storyboards and the film. Again great from a film-making aspect.
This dvd may not be packed with extras but what there is has a good quality over quantity feel. As the film's tag line says "Look Closer"
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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
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
Yet another review of American Beauty entitled 'Look Closer'. Good review though, as always. Bit gutted that I missed out on the DTS soundtrack (bought R2 didn't I! Doh!), but think the film is wonderful.
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a mesmerising confidence and acuity epitomised by Kevin Spacey's calm narration. Spacey is Lester Burnham, a harried Everyman whose midlife awakening is the spine...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Look closer at the most talked about film of the year. A funny, moving and shocking ... more
journey through life in suburban America.Look closer at fortysomething ad man Lester Burnham and his status-seeking wife, Carolyn, as their marriage and lives slowly un...
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 awakening is the spine...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Marking the feature film directorial debut of award-winning theatre director Sam Mendes ... more
this funny moving and shocking journey through life in suburban America follows the trials and tribulations of Lester (Kevin Spacey) and Carolyn (Annette Bening) ...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
![American Beauty [DVD] [2000]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78526734.jpg "American Beauty [DVD] [2000]")
Jul 9th, 2001
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