Hollywood Independence

Rating: 10/10 (1 December 2007)

Occasionally, Hollywood makes an independent film. This is my case in point. Saw it again last night and didn't realize how many subjects this film actually deals with. Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning are terrific as a middle class couple with the perfect life on the surface with the demons slowly poking through the bottom of their false exterior. Spacey's mid life crisis is sharp and believable as he attempts to change is life, quiting his job, buying a 70's Pontiac forebode and working out in his garage as his wife cheats on him with a local real estate tycoon. His daughter, played by the now grow up Thora Birch, is at similar odds as she deals with her creepy next door neighbor and her young but sexy friend played by Mira Suavi. American Beauty plays like a middle American nightmare, where change is always the best thing.