The World As We Know It In 1999

Rating: 10/10 (9 October 1999)

That's exactly what this movie is: The world as we know it in 1999. As much as we hate to admit it, the film "American Beauty" brings us face to face with our world, with nothing left as taboo. Is it the best film of the year? Quite possibly. Is it one of the best? Most definitely.
If anyone dares to contradict that statement they obviously didn't understand the film. The movie has a message, it has a morals behind it. These morals weren't even left for us to figure out. They were told to us straight out from the beginning through until the end. "Be anything. Just be happy"
I must commend the actors in the film. They all did an excellent job with no exception. Spacey pulls off what could be the performance of a life time. Thora Birch finally makes her move into adult movies, and the young new actor, Wes Bentley, makes a unexpected breakthrough performance.
This film did what most American movies can't do anymore: It kept us interested. From the first to last moment of the film we were mezmorized. Yet it wasn't by action and explosions. The audience is entranced by the film's look at the state of the human condition.
Many people ask what the film's about. That's not the point of the movie. The plot's not essential. It's the characters and what they show us about this world that is.
The film will make you laugh unexpectedly. It may also bring you to tears. Behind the angst in this film is an uplifting message. Through the drama is a shining light. And that's what the film "American Beauty" focuses on. Not the dark moments in life, but the fun that can be had in between.