Beautiful. . .

Rating: 10/10 (8 February 2004)

This magnificent masterpiece of filmmaking is well deserving of the Oscar it earned. The blending of the classic, stage-like dialogue and the set and camera tricks typical of the medium of film left me awestruck and wanting more. The acting was superb: Kevin Spacey, Annette Benning, and Mena Suvari were three outstanding actors, in a cast all deserving of recognition.
Kevin Spacey's character, Lester Burnham, should identify with every cubicle dweller that has ever had a crappy, stressful job. His transition from a boring, comatose automaton to The Man, the personification of the life that every male baby boomer wishes they had, was interesting to watch, and you cannot help but cheer for his self-empowerment and -discovery.
Annette Benning, Carolyn Burnham, is the antithesis to Kevin Spacey's character. She's a cold, heartless bitch, who cares more about money and power than living. The interaction between the two, Lester and Carolyn is impeccably well written, and scares this college student in the level of death present in middle age.
Mena Suvari. Ah, Mena Suvari. Her character, Angela Hayes, is the love interest of Lester Burnham. You can't help but lust after the beauty of Suvari. Her character is quite interesting to observe, especially once the shell of popularity and success is scaled away.
The music was impeccable; the use of The Guess Who was brilliant, and the scene with Annie Lennox in the background was mind-blowing (if you have seen the movie you will know which one I'm talking about). I highly recommend that everyone that is tired of suburbia, or their life in general, see this movie. I give it a 10 out of 10.