A beautiful film about nature, human and otherwise

Rating: Null/10 (30 November 1999)

This is a remarkable and surprisingly touching film about the masks we all wear -- the faces we present to our families and the world to hide our insecure and vulnerable selves. Although exaggerated for effect (and to address logically in a 2-hour movie), the relationships in "American Beauty" are as complex as any in life. And while the catharses that most of the characters undergo are a bit overly contrived, the truths that the film puts forth -- among which is that the joys in life can be found in being true to one's own nature and in nature itself -- are amazingly potent. This is a beautifully directed, photographed, scored and acted film -- everyone concerned does a masterful job. Much has been said about Kevin Spacey's performance -- it's great -- but I was particularly impressed by Wes Bentley as the film's "control subject": the one character who is honest in his actions and emotions, a boy to whom the whole world is an amazing spectacle. Yes, "American Beauty" is popular mass entertainment, but even within that often constrictive form it is a true -- and memorable -- work of art. I think its stature and regard will grow over time.