Stunning writing in established issue driven drama

Rating: 10/10 (18 November 2008)

Lester Burnham's (Spacey) life is reawaken when he meets Angela Hayes (Suvari).
This 1999 Oscar winning picture is regarded as Mendes' finest and with a fine realistic styled direction it is easy to see why.
Dramas can often be ruined when a can of clichés is opened but Mendes keeps a grounded direction all the way through and uses a variety of techniques to achieve the ultimate shocking effect. From a simple but effective sweeping shot of the suburban residency to the artistic and now infamous fantasy sequences, Mendes maintains the realism in the film's context.
Alan Ball's Oscar winning script is superb. The conciseness of the character's lives is easy and relaxing to watch which, given the complexity of the situations, is genius. His grounded characters are well placed into a plot about such strong issues such as family, job, sexual orientation, love, lust and drugs. So where as many dramas tell a story they have no sub-story, but Ball's script has everything. Twists and turns, comedy, drama, not to mention an array of fascinating individual characters.
Kevin Spacey (The Usual Suspects) gives an Oscar winning performance as Lester, a man with nothing, who wants everything. Far from your typical mid life sufferer, Lester is a complex soul with his head on his shoulders. Lester is a man who anyone of any age can relate to. He is an outcast in his family, he is alone, he hates his job and he fantasises about his crush. These basic human emotions and impulses help viewers relate to the film and create a welcoming and comforting presence. He is also very funny to watch.
Annette Bening (The Grifters) is only second to Spacey in this Oscar nominated role as Lester's husband Carolyn. Her quirky and false character is interesting to watch, particularly when in scenes with her husband. These are some fine comedy and dramatic moments; watch out for the couch reference. The pair has created a very memorable marriage and one of the most intriguing in drama film history.
The young supporting cast of Birch, Bentley and Suvari is typical of teenage life and used to stunning effect. Ball puts a marvellous spin on the stereotypical 'ugly' girl and the 'popular' one too, and by not following conventional characters, American beauty is different and brilliant in its own unique way.
With its stunning direction, writing and characters, American Beauty has proved to be a timeless classic that not only entertains, but shocks and surprises.