Instant Classic

Rating: 10/10 (20 November 1999)

I don't know about #2 all-time, but this is certainly the movie of the year and a sure-fire multiple Oscar and Golden Globe winner. Sam Mendes, late of "Cabaret" on Broadway, goes right to the head of the class with his first feature film. First-rate writing and cinematography and an impeccable cast. I've come to expect this level from Spacey but Bening hasn't had a role this complex since "The Grifters" and she just knocks it out of the park. This is one of those pictures that you'll be watching over and over for years and getting some fresh nuances each time. Fin de siecle filmmaking at its very best.