I was young.

Rating: 10/10 (6 February 2020)

Age 16, this was one of my first experiences of cinematic depth containing such emotion and meaning that I could share with no one I personally knew. I remember choosing this movie to go see with my high school girlfriend and her cousin. I can say without a doubt that this movie had a direct influence on a good bit of my life, some good, some bad (though it was common sense relatable to most and to my acknowledgment, went to my head, but as I said, I was young and an idealist...
still am in the heart.)
I don't know what exactly went on with Spacey these past years what exactly what he did but his performance in this film and some others as well made him one of my favorite actors of all time. Wes Bently as the next-door teenaged neighbor was good as well and I thought it looked promising that he would have a pretty big career but that was a misfire on my end. Anyway, all performances were pretty stellar and some were very surprisingly comedic, with a very intellectual screenplay by Alan Ball, along with some daring and bold direction from Sam Mendes, American Beauty is, well, I will put it this way...
When someone asks me what my true favorites are, I think of maybe 4, 5 right away and then instantly after that, American Beauty is where my heart, mind, and feeling instinctive, without choice, go to.
Oh yeah, I thought the bag scene was really heartfelt and meaningful and **there is just a hands down great topless shot of Thora Birch (Who knew?!) I mean, wow.
**And now, for most, the review will lose its credibility, God Bless.