American Beauty in many ways

Rating: 10/10 (20 January 2010)

Before seeing this movie I had a lot of expectations, because everyone told me this would be a great film experience. Honestly I didn't really know what was expecting me, so I was looking forward to an unique experience. As I heard we would watch this movie in our English class, I remembered my former expectations and couldn't wait seeing it.
And with the first second of this awesome movie I was touched and began to believe all the good words I heard before. At first American Beauty seemed to lead into a kind of Comedy performance as far as the atmosphere was presented as an ironic one. At this place I have to honour Spacey's excellent acting and credibility. He was able to make Lester Burnham, a midlife-crisis bothered and even lovely typical American dad, the most likely character of the film. This impression stayed until the very end of the film and his life.
At this point it's time to appreciate the other cast as well and especially the Burnham family members. Due to Bening's and Birch's credible and strong appearance, the film got this dark and special charm. Another highlight, like Lester's morning shower for him, was Mena Suvari as Jane's seemingly extroverted, but actually very shy girl, with a huge crush on Mr. Burnham who reciprocates this attraction. But although every actor and actress really impressed me, no one could reach Spacey's top performance.
And as if this weren't enough, cinematic genius Sam Mendes stages this every single Oscar worthy masterpiece with an ironical dark touch. Especially the end with all the excitement and electricity in the air is a real highlight in movie history. Together with some other little treasures like the symbolic roses, make it a treat.