BREATHTAKING... AND POETIC

Rating: 10/10 (20 February 2000)

It's easy to script car chases, presume what ghosts look like, or sugar-coat reality. It takes genius to produce a film which is truly penetrating. As such, American Beauty strikes a responsive chord worldwide because it says so much about... ourselves. This is the essence of great cinema- and great art. Our culture (and our art) has finally tackled the dysfunctionality of our modern world head on. Years ago, the Academy would have NEVER given this type of film such acclaim (8 nominations). Those who dislike American Beauty simply don't understand it. Look closer. Consider it a wake-up call in the quest for more peaceful and fulfilling lives for us all.