A Well Crafted Portrayal Of The Death Of The American Dream

Rating: 10/10 (20 August 2000)

This film is, without doubt, one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces ever made! It's singular troubling element is that various sectors of the American public, divided strictly along age lines, will either love or hate this film for all the 'right' reasons. And therein, lies it's greatness, for truth has many facets
"American Beauty" tells the story of one American family (the Burnhams) who have achieved the great 'American Dream'; the one that grew from myth to reality at the end of World War Two. This atypical couple have achieved the sprawling suburban home with picture perfect lawn and two car garage (along with expensive vehicles to fill it). The trouble is, all of this material wealth is supported by mentally and physically consuming jobs that each has come to hate in their own way. They have little if any time for family or each other, and have become strangers within their own homes: both to themselves and their offspring.
Then one day, Lester Burnham (played flawlessly by Kevin Spacey) says,- stop the world, I want to get off. And trust me, you will enjoy the unique manner in which he accomplishes this task. The problem is his spouse, Carolyn Burnham (in a brilliant portrayal by Annette Bening) does not want to get off, and therein lies the heart of the conflict that will ultimately destroy their imperfect union and lead to the death of one.
This film touches quite deftly upon so many of the key elements of the present 'American Social Nightmare'(including latent homosexuality and pedophilia, male menopause, pornography and drug usage -just to name a few), that it is difficult to find fault with it at any stage. How is it possible to argue effectively with the truth?
Look for great acting by all, including newcomer Wes Bentley as Ricky Fitts and veteran actor Chris Cooper as his father, Colonel Frank Fitts. Nor should one overlook the great teenage "Lolita" portrayal by up and coming actress Mena Suvari.
Each scene is a snapshot, yet the film flows so evenly that you become more than just an observer - you are there as a participant. And that, indeed, is the very essence of great film making. This film well deserves all of the accolades it has received and much more.