"Look closer..."

Rating: 10/10 (23 June 2006)

"American Beauty" is an ironic piece of art. It is a story of a family who seems to be just an average American family but no-one knows their life's are just a charade.
"American Beauty" is the greatest directorial debut there is. From unknown theater director to celebrated Oscar-winner is quite impressive. Sam Mendes lives the American dream. Unfortunately his characters on the film are far from it.
Lester Burnham (Just phenomenal Kevin Spacey) is a 42-year-old man who gets fired from his job. Lester realizes that he has lived just a half-life. He starts to do everything he has always wanted to do. His marriage to Annie (Annette Bening) who works at the real estate business has stuck in a rut for quite some time. His daughter Jane (Thora Birch) hates his guts. They used to be a perfect family. Now everything has started to fall apart. Everything is just the beginning of the end.
Mendes reflects a picture of modern day problems; affairs, drug abuse, homosexuality, living in denial etc. The topics are universal and can be seen anywhere in the world. Thanks to Alan Ball's (also the creator of the TV-series "Six Feet Under") magnificent script which makes "American Beauty" as beautiful as it is with a lot of black humor.
Looking at Lester and his life you can see he is suffering from a mid-life crisis which has been waiting just behind the corner. He starts to live the long lost youth. While Lester is discovering his life he doesn't know that he has got a few enemies along his path finding happiness. It is very ironic and somewhat sad.
The performances are mind blowing. Kevin Spacey makes an once in a lifetime role as troubled Lester. Annette Bening is insanely hilarious as playing the frustrated wife. Chris Cooper blew me away with his strong performance as tough ex-marine, Burham's neighbor Mr.Fits.
The music in the film is very describing. When Lester sings "American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz in his car or Annie is raving with "Don't Rain On My Parade" is the Classic of classics. Those songs reflect each of this married couples thoughts. Thomas Newman has composed so beautiful music that I had to get the soundtrack to my collection.
"American Beauty" is one of the best movies in 21th century. I never will forget the paper bags breath taking beautiful dance in the wind! As Pete Towsend sings in the song "The Seeker": "I won't get to get what I'm after 'til the day I die..."