A near perfect rose

Rating: Null/10 (10 October 1999)

I can't believe this is only Alan Ball's first writing credit. _AB_ is not a naturalistic film by any means, not like _The Accidental Tourist_ or _Shoot the Moon_. It is entirely artifice, especially in circular plot construction and directing flourishes, but it matches art with a big, beating, very human heart. The acting and directing are top notch--my only complaint is that one or two images might have been _more_ arresting, and that _AB_, like most American films, seems to refuse to let two actors do their stuff in a single two shot--rather, they insist on cutting back and forth between the two even when dramatically unnecessary, as for a reaction shot. Sometimes this is used to cover bad acting, but I find it hard to believe Spacey & Co. needed cover of that color.
My only other complaint is that what may have been the most tragic character in the film is made too unlikeable, and fails to seize our sympathy. Had the character been allowed to win it, the movie's end would be doubly powerful. While prejudice may be loathsome, movies are _not_ about prejudice--they are about people. And this film has some great people in it. You will be kicked in the head. Do not resist.