My New Favorite Film

Rating: 10/10 (24 September 1999)

I just returned from seeing what may be the best movie since Schindler's List. American Beauty is funny, powerful, tragic, and it leaves an impression that will take weeks to wear off.
Why is American Beauty so great? Is it the smooth transitions from comedy to tragedy? Or is it Kevin Spacey's performance, which may even top that of The Usual Suspects and Seven?
From Thora Birch's opening lines to the close of the movie, which is both chaotic and peaceful, the movie leaves the viewer mesmerized. Sam Mendes' direction is perfect.
Trying to describe the plot of American Beauty would be like trying to tell someone's life story in a sentence. But it is the story of a miserable man who tries to become happy again. And while the story may sound told, it is not the story but the script that makes it seem fresh again.
Rumors say that American Beauty may be too dark to have an Oscar chance, but I hope not. I hope the academy recognizes all involved with this film. It is truly great.