The best new film I've seen since Pulp Fiction.

Rating: 10/10 (21 September 1999)

Romano Rating: 95%
As a mainstream studio release, American Beauty sets a new standard for originality in screen writing and cinematic excellence. The characters in Sam Mendes' film are fresh, complex and real. "Look closer", indeed - the audience is drawn into the film almost immediately. The Alan Ball script is so strong that even the image of a bag blowing in the wind is completely captivating - not once, but twice.
American Beauty celebrates life amidst adversity with a boldness similar to that found in Life is Beautiful. Visually, it is in the same innovative league as the recent Run Lola Run. American Beauty has the emotional content and power that was missing from Eyes Wide Shut.
After already establishing himself as an extraordinary actor in Swimming with Sharks, the Usual Suspects, and Seven; after redefining a classic role in Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh on Broadway earlier this year; Kevin Spacey's performance in American Beauty somehow manages to raise the bar of excellence even higher. He may not have received a Tony Award in 1999, but as far as I'm concerned, the upcoming Oscar for Best Actor might as well be given to Kevin Spacey right now. Annette Bening also gives the performance of her career. Best Line: `Never underestimate the power of denial.'