Enlightening Masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (19 February 2001)

American Beauty is the kind of film that will capture your attention and never relent, yet at the same time allowing you to discern what the message is for yourself. I experienced so many different emotions during the course of the film that I can say with 100% certainty that this movie won't inspire numbness, the inability to feel anything and not feel yourself changing as the film unfolds itself. Indeed, you'll be changed, but will the closing message really mean anything to you?
The story, actually, is a rather simple one. Lester Burnham(Kevin Spacey), your average American Joe, has been "dead" for a number of years. His wife Carolyn(Annette Benning) orders him around, his daughter Jane(Thora Birch) is full of teenage angst, management at the workplace wants to fire him, and he sees no purpose or meaning in life. To be blunt, he knows he doesn't matter in life and has an inability to do anything about it. This all begins to change when he meets Jane's attractive friend Angela(Mena Suvari), as he is so overwhelmed by her beauty that he can't maintain control over himself, and he feels old sensations he had been blind to for so long. She gives him a newfound mission and hence a new meaning for living life: He will win her heart and make love to her. This inspires a direct rebellion of his life itself, and he vows never to be the same again. Lester's metamorphosis during the rest of the film is very intriguing and fun to watch, as he finally is able to refute his selfish wife and become a "winner". He proceeds to enjoy the splendors of life and ends up changing everyone else's as a result. However, the message of the film does not come from Lester, but instead comes from new next door neighbor Ricky Fitz(Wes Bentley), a at-first-glance creepy 18-year old who is infamous for always carrying a video camera around with him. When the viewer learns why he is always carrying this video camera, the main lesson of the film is taught, and enlightenment begins. To say more about the plot of the film would be a crime, as it is best to experience it firsthand.
It was no surprise to me that American Beauty won 5 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. It's uncanny that this is a directorial debut, from theatre expert Sam Mendes, and I'm anxiously anticipating his next work. Every performance of the film is superb, with special recognition to Kevin Spacey and Thora Birch, the latter being one who I could previously never imagine in a film like this after "Hocus Pocus" and "Monkey Trouble". What really is endearing about this film, however, is the message. Life is truly beautiful, and as the film demonstrates it in subtle and non-subtle methods, you can feel the exact elation Lester Burnham feels as he is emancipated from his old boring life. This truly makes this a masterpiece, as it is not so much about what goes on during the film but what you feel as you watch. The idea of this film, while seemingly not too different than Ordinary People and The Ice Storm, is a LOT different. The Ice Storm was too cynical and existentialist, and Ordinary People was a bit in the same vein. All three films expose the hypocrisy of modern American society, but only American Beauty leaves hope, and how truthful and God-inspired it feels. This film is truly a masterpiece and one that every person should be privileged enough to see. I recommend it with all of my heart, and I encourage anyone reading this to view it with an open mind, as it might seem a little wacky and hence distractful of the message if you're not careful.
Rating: 10/10, a truly must-see film.