Deliciously raw!

Rating: 10/10 (18 May 2006)

The ironic thing about 'American Beauty' is that no matter how many times you see it, you still don't quite comprehend the massive beauty of the movie itself. However, throw in a couple of amazing actors, writer Alan Ball, director Sam Mendes, and mix it in with complete originality, and the result is an excruciatingly complex and deep movie.
The story starts off with Lester talking about your 'regular' 40-something year-old mid-life crisis life, and reminds the audience the he will be dead in less than a year. From the moment the narration from Kevin Spacey is initiated, we are juggled into a realistic world of self-pity, lust, betrayal, narcissism, and controversial subject matter. The following 100-something minutes leave us breathless as our imagination grabs hold of the tragedy that is life, and doesn't let go until we realize 'American Beauty' is nothing but a metaphor for the life that surrounds us.
The surreal juxtaposition of the characters foreshadows an ever-growing feud between families, friends and even colleagues. Carolyn (Bening) loathes the thought of being an average housewife, while their daughter Jane (Birch) accepts the idea of being 'ordinary' and moves on with life. Each character is flawed and never either overpowers or seems inferior to another character, which is so strongly a reflection of the real life. The rest of the cast is unique and quirky but just enough to show that not everyone is perfect. Angela - portrayed by the brilliant Mena Suvari - gives off the impression that she is loved and looked up at while never facing the reality that she pales in comparison to the beauty that is life.
The movie focuses more on Lester (Spacey) and how he comes to terms with his own identity, and lives life to the fullest. What he fails to realize is that nothing can be that easy, and no one stays young and has fun forever. The dialogue in the movie is perfect. It fits the realistic feel while inspiring the audience and constantly flowing the thoughts of the characters.
To be honest, 'American Beauty' charges us with such insight, such depth and such honesty that we just cannot ignore. The inspiring screenplay magnificently captures each and every element a good movie should have and goes beyond the expectations.
I have to say that 'American Beauty' is definitely genius. I saw it when it just came out and automatically I rented the VHS (I didn't have a DVD player then) and watched it over and over. Not only is it an original and thought-provoking drama, but you can watch it constantly without ever getting bored.