A Bold, Original Film - That Almost Fails...

Rating: 7/10 (15 November 1999)

This is perhaps one of the most original dramas to come out of a Hollywood studio in a long, long time, and as a result it almost fails in it's desire to be audacious. In trying to pick apart the myth of happy American suburb life, the characters and situations are so completely striking it almost is unbelievable. As the masks of each character fall off it almost brinks on absurdity. But thanks to powerhouse performances by Kevin Spacey (who will get nominated and probably win Best Actor) and Chris Cooper (who should get nominated, but probably won't, for Best Supporting Actor) and a tremendous directorial effort by Sam Mendes the film is indeed a triumph.
Lastly, it might be best to arrive at the film five minutes late to skip the opening narrative which for some inexplicable reason gives away the powerful ending, which would have been more effective if hadn't been given away two hours earlier.
If you liked this movie, see Happiness, which covers the same ground, but I think much more effectively.