Great movie but not original. Clone of the movie "Bliss (85)"

Rating: 10/10 (21 May 2000)

American Beauty is an intelligent, provocative movie but not as original as some believe. The similarities between American Beauty and Bliss (1985) must surely be more than a coincidence:
1. Both movies are centered around a cynical middle aged employee in the advertising industry suffering a mid life crisis
2. Both movies begin and end with ghostly third party voiceovers and a 'floating spirit' viewpoint.
3. Both movies begin with a pronouncement on the protagonists imminent mortality. The ghostly voiceover announces our hero will soon be dead.
4. In both movies the protagonists undergoes catharsis after quitting their jobs and indulging in joints and forbidden younger lovers.
5. In both movies there is a young, warped, drug dealing son with few ethics. In both movies this character displays a Nazi Swastika.
6. In both movies there is a dysfunctional family with a remote daughter and neurotic mother.
I urge other viewers to see Bliss (1985) and add their comments. Bliss is the unacknowledged idea behind American Beauty and arguably a better movie as well.