Beauty?? Where, what, and whom?

Rating: 3/10 (26 March 2000)

Having seen 'American Beauty' only hours ago - I am left wondering what all the fuss is about. The film is pleasant in a passable glory but too much more cannot be said about the quality of the film.
Films are about stories and this film is constructed on a predictable and shallow script. The social issues concerned lack any psychological depth and it that way could easily pass for an NBC Today news item.

I like Kevin Spacey (although less so from his arrogant interview on 60 minutes) but at times his portrayal of Lester was irritating.
Annette Benning is wonderful but her character never really explored the depths of her psyche. In this sense, she is essentially seen as the cause of Lester's problems and not the other way around (except for the last 10 minutes).
If you really want to see a social commentary on suburban life I suggest you see: 'The Ice Storm' or 'All that Heaven Allows'. As for the 'Melrose factor' of bitchiness - go see 'War of the Roses'. Otherwise you could turn to a seven-year old for whatever 'American Beauty' has to offer.
Too much hype and a weak script. Overall rating = pleasant.