Review of American Beauty (1999) by Andy S — 05 Aug 2012

If the Godfather was the most quintessential American film of its time, I think that this is the modern day equivalent. It is a masterpiece in every way. It is unflinching in its honesty about suburban living, marriage, and the idea of a "typical American family".

Although the story does not seem realistic on the surface, if you look deeper you will find yourself in the characters and that is the true beauty of the movie. It goes places and portrays characters in a way that film never did before.

The performances are flawless, Alan Ball's script is savagely funny and Sam Mendes directs with such assurance that it's impossible to believe its his first film. This is an eternal classic.