The best film since the 70s...?

Rating: 10/10 (13 January 2000)

I saw American Beauty on advance preview here in Edinburgh. I can't wait until it gets a general release, because I'm very anxious to know how my friends will react to it. I find the film has a very personal effect on me. It really made me start thinking about people and attitudes and ambitions. I gave this a lot of thought the other night, and I have decided this is the best movie I have seen which was made since the 70s. For me, it's right up there with The Cuckoo's Nest, The Deerhunter and (ahem) Star Wars. If only more attention was given to such excellent screenplays and interesting direction techniques. This is the sort of film we should be seeing all the time, but the demand is not there because everyone wants Toy Story and Independence Day. Congratulations to Sam Mendes for making what should be the defining cinematic moment of my generation.