This is such a special film...

Rating: 10/10 (3 October 1999)

"American Beauty" is clearly the best movie of the year. This is the kind of film where, half way through, you can't wait to see what happens next and at the same time dread that each scene you take in is just leading you closer to the ending. You wish you could spend forever with these fascinating characters and their eventful lives. The film is an affirmation that beauty is out there and that it's not too late for any of us to be a part of it. Physical beauty is perhaps the easiest to recognize. But human qualities like sincerity, kindness, playfulness, sensitivity, and confidence are just as beautiful. Beauty can also be found in the recognition that there are some things that can't change, and must be let go. These concepts and more are conveyed through humor and serious drama -- a difficult combination to pull off, but this film does is superbly. It is truly a great American film.
23Skidoo-3 made some comments on October 1, 1999 that I'd like to respond to: You call the movie smug and self-important and imply that the filmmakers believe they are better than their characters, and yet you are the one starting off your review with "I'd rather pound nails through my fingers than watch this movie". Who's smug? Who's self-important? You've analyzed the movie; now try yourself.
You go on to say that the filmmakers want to have it both ways by pointing out the lack of warmth in humanity while exalting the beauty of life. I say life IS both ways and the writer and director realize this. There is beauty in life, but many don't see it (like the Annette Bening character in her older years). The film is about a few people who've discovered beauty -- some not for the first time in their life. It's about people changing... from cold to warmth. Next you'll be criticizing "Terminator 2" for portraying cyborgs as both cold-blooded killing machines and as loyal, tender guardians. I mean, can't the director make up his mind? Sheesh, yeah?