Provocative, Powerful and Beautiful

Rating: 7/10 (10 September 2012)

One of the most obscure dramas I have ever seen, but "American Beauty" is a powerful film that puts our lives into perspective. This film tells the story of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey, winner of the 1999 Best Actor Oscar) who feels that his life has been a sham for the last several years and resolves to turn his mediocre life around after developing an infatuation with his daughter (Thora Birch)'s best friend (Mena Suvari). The acting in the film is beyond compare to any other drama that runs on the same lines. Playing Carolyn Burnham, Spacey's cinematic wife, is Annette Benning, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, performing as a woman worn down by her failure to keep her business afloat with a family that is breaking apart at the seems.Spacey's performance, which garnered him his second Oscar, is a real tour de force; a powerful, slightly comedic and serious acting combination of unmatched talent. The film ended up bringing tears to my eyes by the climax where I could sense there was unease in the air, but did not expect the tragic ending that came. A pure thrilling drama, "American Beauty" wills the viewer to 'look closer.'