Weird, funny, thought-provoking

Rating: 8/10 (31 January 2000)

In my opinion, "American Beauty" has got to be one of the most bizarre movies I have ever seen. In one instance, it is a cautionary tale on how to avoid a bad marriage. On the other hand, it appears to be a cross between "Ordinary People" and "sex, lies, & videotape," with shades of "Sunset Boulevard" and "Rear Window" thrown in for good measure. While it's true Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening, among others, give extraordinary performances as the troubled married couple, this is one film that makes you reflect on your own personal life while it tickles your funny bone. And just when you think you know how the movie's going to end, director Sam Mendes and writer Alan Ball yank the carpet right out from under your feet.
Though "American Beauty" makes you think and laugh as you're watching it, it also disturbs your perception of American suburbia, similar to "Blue Velvet," where decay is hidden within homes surrounded by nice, white picket fences. "American Beauty" ultimately serves as a devastating wake-up call to all of us. Not only must we return to strong family values, we also need to reach out to one another with genuine love and understanding. Moreover, in its own quirky, oddly optimistic way, "American Beauty" reminds us to work nonstop on keeping romance alive within our marriages, and to look for the wonders of everyday living, hiding in plain view before our very eyes. I give the movie an 8/10 rating. It's not necessarily for the squeamish, and having an open mind BEFORE you watch it helps.