Film-Making At It's Best!

Rating: 10/10 (17 March 2013)

American Beauty has just made my top ten list of all-time favorite movies. I have rarely seen a movie that has such masterful filmmaking and one that plays with all your emotions all so perfectly during the running time of two hours. This is a perfect satire on American life and on the life of an ordinary family. What I liked is none of these characters are the villains, but they all are shown to have flaws and yearn for better things in life. This movie has the perfect balance of humor and drama and I was surprised how funny some scenes were.
This film happens to be the theatrical debut of Sam Mendes and he directed one dandy of a film. His film takes a look on the life of the Burnham family. This film looks at the dwindling marriage of Lester and Carolyn Burnham and the relationship of their daughter and the son of their new neighbor. There is also the relationship of that son and his father which is quite intense.
In order for a film like this to work, there must be marvelous acting. Kevin Spacey is a very gifted actor and he is the perfect guy for Lester. He truly gives a powerful performance from the moment his voice over starts at the beginning of the film. Annette Bening gives a great performance as Carolyn. I also loved Chris Cooper as the military neighbor. His scenes were intense to say the very least.
Overall, this is one of the best movies I have ever seen. This is somewhat of a satire, but realism is integrated in the movie. I loved the camera work in the film especially when the red flower petals are floating during some scenes. This is a true 90's masterpiece and I was hooked from the beginning to the end. These characters aren't bad people, but they were trying to have a better life and that I sympathize with them. I rate this film 10/10.