"American Beauty" is a 1999 film directed by Sam Mendes (Skyfall, Revolutionary Road, Road to Perdition) and written by Alan Ball. When I was informed of the storyline, I wasn't merely expecting what I got after I came out of it. This movie is beautifully brilliant, and for each and every character you can care for, which is something nearly no film can do.
This movie stars Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham, a middle aged man who is struggling to find excitement in his life. His relationships with his wife (Annette Bening) and daughter (Thora Birch) are quite mundane. But one day, Lester falls in love with his daughter's best friend (Mena Suvari) whilst the other members of his family begin to change themselves.
The acting in this film is superb. Kevin Spacey, in his best performance out of many great ones, is practically flawless as Lester Burnham. He portrays the middle aged man practically perfectly and makes Lester not a character who you hate, like most characters of his beliefs and motives. The rest of the cast is also stellar, especially Wes Bentley, who portrays the Burnham's intrusive neighbour. Alan Ball's screenplay is also something to marvel at. He is able to keep every scene interesting, even in the ones that just outline the daily activities of the Burnhams. He gives every single relationship depth and structure, which helps you create feelings for every character in the film. Sam Mendes in his directorial debut is excellent; better than mot debuts I've ever seen. He is able to balance everything out perfectly and emit strong and meaningful themes.
All in all, this film is superb, from every single angle imaginable. Every single scene has you gripped to the core, and the beautiful ending does not disappoint. I have to say it's one of Hollywood's greatest films. As the title suggests, "American Beauty" is truly an American beauty.
This movie stars Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham, a middle aged man who is struggling to find excitement in his life. His relationships with his wife (Annette Bening) and daughter (Thora Birch) are quite mundane. But one day, Lester falls in love with his daughter's best friend (Mena Suvari) whilst the other members of his family begin to change themselves.
The acting in this film is superb. Kevin Spacey, in his best performance out of many great ones, is practically flawless as Lester Burnham. He portrays the middle aged man practically perfectly and makes Lester not a character who you hate, like most characters of his beliefs and motives. The rest of the cast is also stellar, especially Wes Bentley, who portrays the Burnham's intrusive neighbour. Alan Ball's screenplay is also something to marvel at. He is able to keep every scene interesting, even in the ones that just outline the daily activities of the Burnhams. He gives every single relationship depth and structure, which helps you create feelings for every character in the film. Sam Mendes in his directorial debut is excellent; better than mot debuts I've ever seen. He is able to balance everything out perfectly and emit strong and meaningful themes.
All in all, this film is superb, from every single angle imaginable. Every single scene has you gripped to the core, and the beautiful ending does not disappoint. I have to say it's one of Hollywood's greatest films. As the title suggests, "American Beauty" is truly an American beauty.