This was the first opinon I wrote and since then have realised how to write then so have improved it below:
Story:
This is basically the story of a family who are all going through difficult times in their lives and the other people who they encounter during this time.
It is set in an average american street in an average home, and the point of this is that from the outside we see them as a normal family, doing ordinary things in their lives, but it takes just a small look closer to realise that they are by no means happy with there seeming ordinary life. This is the whole point of the film and works very well.
Characters:
Lester Burnham the father of the family is going through a mid-life crisis, finally realising the pointlessness of his job, and in fact his whole life, and sets out to change things. This is set off by a new boss and then fueled by his attraction to his daughters best friend. Carolyn, his wife, is drastically trying to be a success in her job, but failing miserably. Like Lester she has lost a grip on what is important in life and is trying desparately to succeed in her job and keep the family together.
Their daughter, Jane, is growing up and looking around for role models and trying to find a life she wants to lead. She turns away from her parents, who are too self involved to notice her, and instead looks to the boy next door who can appreciate the finer things in life, but ironically is also a drug dealer.
Other characters include Angela, Janes best friend and the object of Lesters affection. Ricky, the boy next door, and his mother and father and Carolyns rival in the real estate business.
The story begins with us knowing that Lester will be dead by the end of the film, but the beauty of the film is that you almost forgot this at times and get so involved in the story that you can't become detached from his character, which makes his death have more impact.
Near the end I found myself looking at every character as a potential killer (as the film intends you to do), but was still surprised at the end (which I won't spoil for you).
Acting
The characters in this film are all extremely well defined, even the smaller parts such as the gay next door neighbours. You are never left wondering about any of them, and the acting doesn't let the film down at all.
I would just like to mention that although I can't deny Kevin Spacey is very good in this film, I feel it is the quality of the writing mixed with the good overall feel of the film that helps him along, and he isn't as spectacular as everyone makes out.
Overall
This film does take some thought to work out, and is by no means an easy watch. In my opinon this makes it far superior to many films out there. Its not something to watch when you come back from the pub, you need to think about it.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone.
~OLD OP~
After seeing this film at the cinema twice I didn't feel that seeing the DVD would bring much more too it. However I was pleasantly surprised. You lose little of the impact and effect on a smaller screen (as you do when viewing action movies with impressive special effects) and in fact it allows you more time to digest and absorb the storyline. To be honest I can't remember what extras the DVD has, and therefore cannot recommend it over the video, but would suggest that buying rather than renting is a good idea as it is a story that gains by being seen several times. I have collected very few DVD's and some I am now going to sell as I don't feel they are worth watching again, but this film is something special and will remain in my classic collection for a long time.
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
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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
that's a very good movie. 1st time I saw it, i loved it. 2nd time i saw it, i loved it again but i noticed that all the characters are mad, all but 2 : the 2 we thought as the beginning were mad are the normal people... Is that the Beauty of America ? Normal people ar mad, and weird people are healthy ? Well, in some points America is crazy, but the title of this movie disturbs me, which makes me like it more.
Plissken 07.09.2001 20:02
Glad you told me about your update. I wasn't just being an arse before! Cheers, Plissken
NoLogoGirl 31.08.2001 12:32
I couldn't guess at all who the killer was either. The whole film was almost a genre in itself as I've never seen anything similar to it! Thanks for the great op. -Erin
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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]")
Aug 17th, 2001
(Aug 24th, 2001)
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