Sam Mendes' stunning 'life' film

Rating: 10/10 (27 April 2013)

I went into American Beauty with fairly low expectations. I had heard that the film had little plot and it seemed very sexual from the trailers and posters. My mind was blown! I understand why some people say that this film has not much of a story; it is a genre similar to Forrest Gump that I like to call 'life'. It just portrays emotions amazingly and cleverly shows the viewer how everyone has their secrets. The tagline is 'Look Closer' and that is what the viewer must do to connect with the characters. The film seemed like it may have very disturbing sexual themes; pedophilia being a part of the film. This, for me, wasn't that big of a deal. Yes, it has many sexual references but that is just a part of life and helps to capture this films emotion. Sex is about finding a person's beauty as is this film. It is truly an amazing experience with many plot twists at the end that it is hard not to cry. This film is executed amazingly with a great script, cinematography, acting (especially Kevin Spacey), music and plot and was an impressive directorial debut for Sam Mendes.
I cannot praise this film enough; it is hard to find a film with a real heart that the audience is always likely to connect with.
American Beauty: 10/10