I have looked closer. . .

Rating: 10/10 (3 August 2000)

American Beauty the Sam Mendes triumph has lived up to it's name, as well as all of the hype that is has received. This Black comedy about a man dealing with his family in modern America hits right on. It is humorous in it's utterly ludicrous look at how todays upper middle class really is.
Lester Burnham, a 40 year old advertising burn-out has come to the realization that his life is over. In many ways it is. His wife Carolyn (Oscar Nominee Annette Benning)an over the top real estate agent resents him for everything he does and even what he doesn't do. His daughter Jane going through the typical teen angst period despises her father just for being her father. Even the people at Lesters job consider him just another number.
Just when it seems that Lester has reached his darkest deepest depths of misery, a light appears in the form of cheerleader, supermodel wanna-be Mena Suvari. Her beguiling ways spark an instant obsession in Lester. Causing his imagination to overload.
He finds himself reverting back to a teenage boy of sixteen fumbling over everything from his feet to his tongue when in the presence of this sexually dynamic wonder. Probably the most painful scene for this viewer was at Lesters first meeting of his dream girl. As you sit their watching Lester blather incoherently you literally cringe in misery about how utterly stupid he seems. It's a feeling most viewers can relate to.
"Do you need a ride, I can give you a ride, I have a car." This quote says it all. Lesters desperation is actually painful,but so excellently pulled off.
Throughout the movie I watched this poor pathetic man transform in to the type of guy every 40 year old going through his midlife crisis wishes he could be. He gets into incredible shape. He buys the car of his dreams (and not a Corvette thank goodness)And gets his just desserts (to point)in the end.
Also for those of you who have seen this a couple times and want a unique challenge. Watch the backgrounds of the movie, places like peoples desks, signs things like that. The tag line "Look Closer" is in strategically placed spots throughout the movie.
I loved this movie and recommend it to any one who is looking for the ideal movie that you just can't get sick of. The entire cast is wonderful, and believable. You can sympathize with these characters and you grow with them. The cinematography is wonderful and the script is fabulous. American Beauty deserved Every Oscar it got and some it didn't get.