a movie definition

Rating: Null/10 (7 January 2003)

American Beauty exemplifies a broadway play on film. There's no usage of camera trickery or fascinating shot perspectives, rather, Sam Mendes uses his playhouse background to demonstrate the use of music, lighting, and strong storyline (Alan Ball). The color contrast that appears on the screen in terms of RED (front door, roses, etc.) is simply authentic and stands out making an exclamation. And the plot is well thought out by Alan Ball.
There's more to this storyline than just a disfunctional family (which is such a simplified definition of the movie). Each character is played to a tee by its actor counterpart, in terms of depth and inner analysis. The character of Lester (Kevin Spacey) is a triumph of a man that gains confidence and finds what made him happy. Carol (Annette Bening) is one word...POWER - in all aspects of the definition. Thora Birch (Jane) and Mena Suvari (Angela) were strong characters of the embellished problems during a high school lifestyle in terms of lost identity, questions of love, and parental influence.
When such good acting, strong screenplay, and quintessencial use of lighting, directing, and correct use of music....why would it be a wonder to its oscar winnings?