Review of American Beauty (1999) by Mrafrotastic00 — 01 Jun 2018

American Beauty:

A beautiful masterpiece that Hollywood is usually fearful of producing to the world.

Starring: Kevin Spacey. Annette Bening. Thora Birch. Directed by Sam Mendes. By Blake Patterson. 100/100. “True realism consists inAmerican Beauty:

A beautiful masterpiece that Hollywood is usually fearful of producing to the world.

Starring: Kevin Spacey. Annette Bening. Thora Birch.

Directed by Sam Mendes.

By Blake Patterson.

100/100. “True realism consists in revealing the surprising things which habit keeps covered and prevents us from seeing,” said Jean Cocteau, a French writer. American Beauty, released in 1999, is a motion picture that can fool the public, if they just read the title. They would probably think that it is an idealistic movie about the beauty of America. Just to let the readers know, American Beauty is the complete opposite of romanticism. This film is a piece of realism that doesn't play safe. American Beauty is one of those rare all-time classics that radiates with an original plot, a first-rate cast, wicked provocation, and a fantastic crew; this critique will also include a personal experience. As a consequence of pushing the envelope, American Beauty is a film doesn't play safe for its viewers. Alan Ball, the screenwriter of American Beauty, writes this film with such savage wit that it is so irresistible to watch. American Beauty is a morbid look into the lives of two dysfunctional families who are neighbors. People like to say that this film is about a sexually frustrated father who is obsessed with his daughter's sleazy friend. That is a subplot in this film, but that is not its focus. Professors are probably teaching this film to future screenwriters or anyone in the study of film. That's one of the reasons why American Beauty has such a fresh screenplay. By the same token, American Beauty has an exceptional ensemble. Kevin Spacey portrays as the most blunt character, Lester Burnham, in the whole film, and he defines pure perfection in the role. Annette Bening is outstanding as Carolyn Burnham, Lester's wife. The young cast members, who are played by Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, and Mena Suvari, deliver awesome performances in the film. Viewers will witness other superb performances from Chris Cooper, Allison Janney, Peter Gallagher, etc. A masterpiece always includes a marvelous cast. In addition to the following, American Beauty is one of the most provocative films ever made. One of the best parts of this film is how it conveys these characters with optimism, like I Love Lucy and other sitcoms, from the introduction. As the story furthers, it goes more in depth with these characters; this is a fine example of realism. People who want movies that show happiness should turn off the movie. Another reason why this film will trigger people is due to the eroticism displayed in this film; this will irritate prudish people. The other common reason why American Beauty is controversial is because of the mature themes it contains; the public will have to look closer, watch American Beauty, to discover what the subjects are. These are the common reasons why American Beauty causes attention. In the meantime, I would like to discuss a personal experience that revolves around this film. Last year in Theater Arts 1, I chose to perform the introductory monologue from this film; by the way, the monologues in this film are well-written. I told my teacher about my choice for the project, and he was already supporting me. If I had told the other teacher in the auditorium about it, I wouldn't have been able to act it out due to one sexual reference. That shows how people are about content in movies these days. As a result of brilliance, American Beauty includes ravishing work from the crew members. Audiences will experience gorgeous cinematography from Conrad L. Hall. They will also hear Thomas Newman's dazzling film score. American Beauty was Sam Mendes' debut as a director, and the stakes were high because of that. Mendes is an artist, and he knows how direct with enthusiasm. Kudos to the crew members for creating this film phenomenally. In conclusion, American Beauty is one of the greatest films ever made. The film is flat-out uproarious, and then it gives audiences a compelling punch in the face. American Beauty won five Academy Awards including: Kevin Spacey for Best Leading Actor, Alan Ball for Best Original Screenplay, Sam Mendes for Best Director, Conrad L. Hall for Best Cinematography, and Best Picture. American Beauty is not only one of the best films of the nineties, but it is also one of the best movies of the twentieth century. Like Cocteau said in his quote above, American Beauty exhibits the surprises hidden in these humane characters, and it doesn't keep their secrets covered.