American Beauty outstanding well worth 10 out 10

Rating: 10/10 (6 June 2011)

I know some people are un-decided about watching this film because they say it does not live up to what we can experience in films today. Well, for me this is the exact reason I watched this masterpiece and also loved it at the same time. I'm the sort of film buff that will watch film knowing nothing about it, it's the way I like to do it. If i'm going to watch a film I want to have my own interpretation and not have IGN, Empire or my friends for that matter tell me what "I" should and shouldn't watch.
If someone has given a bad word-of-mouth about this film because it portrays "real life and it's themes are confusing". Well the camera work and the use of diagetic sound are there to show you that when all these little personal conflicts come together there is going to be reactions. Watch the film, make your own thoughts and as you grow older, remember the moments when felt happy most in your life.
A little bit of a hypocritical statement here, I would recommend this film to anyone that feels that life hasn't been quite what they wanted or not what they expected after finishing College (or High School) it's good story which could if they wanted say "based on a true story" because, the conflicts it provides us are real. In on way shape or form is this film sur-real or anti-realistic, yes it is a bit multi-strand. But people are stalked, people are homo-phobic and people experience a mid-life-crisis.
As much as I want to ramble about Kevin Spacey's inspiring performance as Lester Burnham, I want to talk about the actress that went un-noticed in the 2000 Oscars (American Beauty was 1999 film meaning the Oscars for that year were in 2000, just in case you didn't know) Annette Bening. I hate to say it but it is true, the Academy made a mistake. The major moments with Annette could contend with the major moments with Kevin, the last shot which resonates with through neighbourhood, Alan can't help but edit these perfect moments in which we see everyone's lives effected, all though it doesn't actually show it is implied in the sub- text, the lake of sound and camera work. Also to notice is the mise-en- scene, each character has their own moment of isolation where all their possessions mean nothing to them and realise that they are in control of their own lives. Most notably to the focused character of Lester Burnham how he finally has the courage to do all the things he wanted to do, funny how this film portrays a man seizing control only when he's lost everything that in some cases mean more people in real life.
So before you go throwing plates of asparagus and buying a brand new Pontiac fire-birds because you think i'm talking a load bull. I suggest next time you watch this or the first time you watch this film. Try and digest what Alan Ball is trying to show you, when your life is at its worst, take a step back and have a look around at what you are missing. Let's just say I could write about 10pages on this film (oh wait, I have already!) if you haven't yet discovered, this is my favourite film of all time, and I understand why the message can spark a distasteful feeling towards it, but please for me go back and sit through it if you can and concentrate on the final zoom out crane shot, there's a lot of world and a lot of problems, you cannot hide from them. Brilliant film.