A Seriously Messed Up View On Life...

Rating: 9/10 (4 October 2008)

...But worryingly accurate at the same time. American Beauty is about Lester Burnham, a middle-ages man stuck in a marriage with a wife who he hates and a daughter who hates him. He feels ignored, under-appreciated,as if he is simply walking through life playing out the part, no emotions involved, never feeling anything. Then he meets his daughter's best friend, Angela Hayes, and the new kid next door, Ricky Fits, and inspired by both decides to start living again. Within a month he winds up dead.
What is so haunting about this film is that it is real - the characters, the emotions, the love and hatred - it's all taken from real life, everyone's experienced these things before, everyone knows someone who behaves like Carolyn, or Jane, or Frank etc. It is so bizarre to see this portrayed on film, blatant for all to see, when usually people try to hide the darker side of real life, either making cushy love stories, films about gangs and crime, or un-realistic horror films to scare people instead. The thing is, real life is so much darker.
The acting from all concerned is faultless. Kevin Spacey plays Lester to perfection - the viewer understands exactly what Lester is going through, you are on his side even if his actions are not what you would find morally correct. Annette Bening is incredible as Carolyn - you truly believe she is this insane, power-hungry perfectionist, and most importantly, at the end, you also truly believe that she did love her husband, despite everything. Wes Bentley played Ricky to the right level of creepy, still allowing the audience to connect with him, and Thora Birch and Mena Suvari play the two girls to perfection - unlike certain films that portray teenagers in a completely unrealistic way you could actually believe these girls were attending high school, their behaviour and speech was spot on.
This film is dark, sick, twisted, yet the ending is hopeful too (you'll know what I mean if you watch it). One of the greatest films of our time - a film to inspire you, as well as make you sit back and think, what kind of life are we living here. A must see!