Utterly Breathtaking

Rating: 10/10 (10 September 2012)

As the title suggests, this one of a kind movie so blew me away with its artistic vision and masterful camera work that I will run out of adjectives in this review to describe it.
From start to finish, the film took us on a journey into the life of Lester Burnham (played by the ever reliable and excellent Kevin Spacey), through his mundane 'ordinary' life and how it had extended and settled over his whole family, until his meeting with his daughters friend Amanda (played wonderfully by Mena Suvari). Take note of that word ordinary, as this movie was anything but. Sam Mendes takes us on an incredible journey, as Lester finds his whole life and spiritually revitalized by his infatuation with Amanda. Incredible performances from Spacey and Suvari, coupled with a strong supporting cast, really fed into the movies message.
However, despite the wonderful performances from the cast, it is the beautiful cinematography and a wonderful use of colour (keep and eye out for the symbolic red door and red roses) that aids the story throughout, and transforming this potentially 'ordinary' movie into something truly beautiful.
A final special mention goes to the soundtrack, which quite simply, astounded me.
Very easily one of the best movies I've ever seen, and an instant classic.