Have you looked in the mirror lately?

Rating: Null/10 (21 February 2002)

If you haven't, then see this movie. Lester Burnham is a man, miserable in his marriage, has a horrible job, and is rejected by his own daughter. He's depressed, and "jerking off" in the shower is the only thing that brings him any joy. Then, one day, for no good reason, he sees things in a new light. Why should he follow the stupid rules in life if all they're doing is holding him back? This is one thing I love about this character: how he is able to seize his life and start controlling it the way he wants to control it.
I admire the way this film shows life in many middle class families. The husband doesn't abuse the wife, or cheats on her, yet they are constantly fighting. The daughter, who openly despizes her father and mother and is looking for a way out. The boy next door, and his abusive father. All these people who look so "normal" when you pass them in the streets have so much more to them.
This film deserved Best Picture, and Kevin Spacey did an absolutely wonderful job playing the man who finally takes control of his life. The funny thing is, I'm only 15, and a movie like this depicts life in my family pretty well. Bravo to the film makers and directors. And to the actors who played the characters. Highly recommended.
MJR