Spacey shines in modern day classic

Rating: 9/10 (2 January 2001)

A classic of our time, Sam Mendes' American Beauty is yet another showcase for the truly outstanding acting talent that is Kevin Spacey.
As the father in a suburban family, Spacey is going nowhere with his life. So he sets about making some changes to every facet of his being, his work, his love life, his family as a whole - himself in short.
Annette Bening is also very good as his wife, and some brilliant supporting performances by an excellent cast make this a rare pleasure in what seem to be times of low brow Hollywood blockbusters that have little artistic merit.
There is so much to this film that made it film of the year, and so many obvious reasons why it won so many awards. The symbolism alone is powerful and brilliant.