What a great film! You should all see it again and again!

Rating: Null/10 (4 February 2000)

This Sam Mendes film truly is a coup de grace among mediocre substitutes. This scarily accurate portrayal of the various people who all appear sane on the outside, but inside are all as dysfunctional as each other and joined by the fact that everything about them is a lie, is moving and a powerful tribute to the fact that it is possible to make classic movies in an era where it is one good film per thousand. The cinematography is good, especially with the interaction between normal film and home camcorder, the original score served its dramatic purpose (thanks once again to Thomas Newman) and the casting is inspired. Though the essence of the film is obviously not in its technical side, but in its deliverance of its central message. The narration of Kevin Spacey, who gets better in every movie he is in, carries us along the delusion and degradation of his existence and he wakes up to the fact that he does not like what he has become. His voice merely echoes what most of us either feel or have felt that we do not live up to what we saw for ourselves when we were younger. The harsh reality of it lies in that no matter what we do to try to obtain what it was we lost, we can strive forever but something will always get in the way in the end. Undoubtedly this film will make you want to get up off the sofa, switch off the TV and do something about yourself, and so it should. If we get one thing out of Mr. Mendes' masterpiece, it should be to live for the moment and enjoy your life.