Review of American Beauty (1999) by Petros T — 17 Oct 2015

American Beauty is Sam Mendes' Best Picture winner starring Kevin Spacey, Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper, and Annette Benning. Kevin Spacey plays Lester Burnham, a salesman of some kind who hates his life. He feels despised by his daughter and emasculated by his wife. But when a family moves in next door and Burnham meets the son played by Wes Bentley, he decides it is time for a change. and he goes through what some might call a mid life crisis and what others would call an awakening of sorts.

This movie is brilliant in every way imaginable. The acting, directing, writing, imagery, everything. all brilliant. Kevin Spacey won a well deserved best actor oscar for his performance which reaches depths of insight and emotion that he can do so well. Wes Bentley is also good as the strange and abused son of a military man, played by a masterful Chris Cooper. Annette Benning is also great, and so are all of the supporting characters. Sam Mendes is still one of the best directors we have today in Hollywood and I think he is really underrated as a director. he always delivers good or great movies. and his directing and vision of life in this suburban neighborhood is amazing, thought provoking, disturbing, and beautiful. The script is very good as well. there are subtle little hints as to everything that will happen in the movie throughout, just hidden in the script. and all of the characters motivations are well thought out and logical. every character is fleshed out and you care about all of them in some way. you feel attached. you feel a part of the movie.

The movie is also hysterical. every line out of Kevin Spacey's mouth is comedic gold. it is infinitly quotable. American Beauty is the absolute definition of a brilliant mix of drama and comedy.

In conclusion, American Beauty is one of the best comedies ever made in my opinion. it deserved every oscar nomination and win it got. It is a flawless film and it is one of my favorites.

10/10.