Terrific

Rating: 10/10 (24 September 1999)

Let me just say that one rarely sees a movie with a perfect cast. Here it is. Spacey and Benning give career defining performances in what is hands down the first real Oscar/Golden Globe contender of the year. In addition, the supporting cast (if one can call them supporting) is fabulous especially the drug dealing neighbor has these piercing eyes that make you hang onto his every word (just like Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs).
The movie itself is a tightly constructed narrative that can really speak to the viewer if he wants to listen. In a miserable, routine existence find something - ANYTHING - that will make you truly happy. It's relatively straightforward.
When seeing this film, note that it is a first effort from the director who does an amazing job. The visual symbolism and the mise-en-scene is outstanding. This is quite possibly the best freshman attempt at filmmaking since Frank Darabont made The Shawshank Redemption.