This movie is an absolute classic. I have watched it numerous times, and every time I feel as entertained and emotionally moved as the last. The movie is extremely thought provoking, to the extent that you will most probably find yourself re-evaluating your life as a result of it!
The plot:
'I feel like I've been in a coma for the past twenty years. And I'm just now waking up...'
American Beauty tells the story of Lester, played by the legendary Kevin Spacey, who wishes to break free of the norm of 'keeping up appearances', his wife Carolyn Burnham (Annette Bening) is so obsessed with. Annette represents the disillusioned being, who has lost sight of what he/she wants in life and believes that happiness is represented by material things and how 'in order to be successful, one must project an image of success at all times'.
Lester's character, not only very profound, as he decides to follow his hearts ambitions, to look young and feel excited, is highly comical. He continually lusts over his daughter Jane's (Thora Birch) friend Angela (Mena Suvari), as she represents his personified goal of youth and being spontaneous. Lester in his outrageous quest for happiness produces a few timeless one-liners, not least the opening scene: 'Look at me, jerking off in the shower... This will be the high point of my day; it's all downhill from here.'
The film contrasts the shallow and superficial Angela with the esoteric Ricky fits (Wes Bentley). Ricky is portrayed as being in touch with himself, his environment and beauty, with the inspiring scene of a simple plastic bag being thrown by the wind, representing the electricity in the air, evoking emotion within him. Angela is the proto-typical cheerleader, who focuses on her looks, and believes her promiscuity represents success, befriending Jane in order to look good. She is therefore amazed, when Ricky finds Jane so fascinating and the film goes on to show how insecure views such as Angela's can lead one to become.
Ricky records his life experiences on tape throughout the film. He believes there is 'too much beauty in the world' and cannot take it all in at once. This merely adds to the message of the movie, not to take any moment for granted and to appreciate all that you experience, whilst you can.
My opinion:
Personally, I rank this movie in the top 10 ever. I find each character fascinating, and you will find yourself relating to each character's traits. The idea of moving from convention resulting in happiness is something that I find very inspiring. Be it Carolyn's affair with the 'Real Estate King' leading to her momentary happiness, or Lester's abusive rant at his employers, you find yourself condemning and accepting each part of the film at once.
This film is one you can watch over and over, it incorporates a perfect amount of humour, thrill, drama and the storyline, is portrayed in a magnificent manner.
I would give this film a definite 5 stars!
Summary: a kevin spacey gem
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
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
I like this film, i agree more on your opinion needed x
grandchamp 02.09.2009 21:36
I hope you don't mind a few suggestions but I would have liked to have known more about how it develops and indeed a commentary from you on the performances of the cast.
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: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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
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...
![American Beauty [DVD] [2000]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78526734.jpg "American Beauty [DVD] [2000]")
Sep 2nd, 2009
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