A Rose By Any Other Name...

Rating: 10/10 (20 September 1999)

Red Roses. The Red American Beauty Rose, an apt symbol for this film of deep emotions. Some films have an interesting beginning or ending with not much in the middle -- this film has it all! Narration in a film rarely works for me because I have found it is usually a cover up for a poor script or story. Here, narration does work for me (as it does in the classic, "Sunset Boulevard", worthy of comparison). Through the initial narration and a "preview" of a scene that is shown more fully later, we learn early that our main character will be dead in less than a year (or in 122 minutes, depending on whether you are in real time or movie time). It is appropriate that we know this because the comedy is so masterful, we might be tricked into thinking it is a comedy with perhaps some pathos. It is a movie which cuts across genres.
The foundation for the film is an intelligent, courageous script (thanks, Alan Bail) which was turned over to masterful direction (Sam Mendes ) and acting. I noticed and appreciated the crafting of little details, such as making Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) look small and lost in an office as he faces the potential of losing his job; red American Beauty Roses and rose petals carefully placed throughout; and varied settings/backgrounds that were perfectly suited to the individual personalities. It explores ordinary people somewhat reminiscent of "Ordinary People" and shows us intertwined neighborhood families somewhat similar to "Ice Storm."
The story takes place in an unnamed suburban town, which seems appropriate as this film does not need another character. We are taken into the intimate lives of nearly a dozen characters, each with different relationships. Each phrase, each action, each scene tells us about these characters and their relationships, while conveying several interwoven stories. I can only speculate at the many scenes that must have been written and eliminated in order to create the script that told so much. I found the sexual fantasy scenes to be very original, and the pacing to be steady.
Kevin Spacey is nothing short of brilliant, with his expressions of a full range of emotions, giving us Lester Burnham, an original character. He changes in many ways through this film; I especially appreciate the change that is shown in is face and actions and but a few words in the last scene with Angela (Mena Suvari), his teenage daughter's girlfriend. Carolyn Burnham is also a distinct character (Annette Bening, who did not look or sound anything like Sydney Ellen Wade in one of my all-time favorite films, "The American President"). Ricky's father is played eloquently by Chris Cooper, one of my favorite character actors. These three actors I have seen in many different roles: I say this is acting at its best -- unlike so many popular stars who play the same character again and again.
I also want to applaud the work of the three teenagers. The young women (Thora Birch and Mena Suvari) were believable and poignant. The 18-year old neighbor Ricky Fitts (Wes Bentley) is wise beyond his years. The insights written into his dialogue seemed perfectly placed, as he is the one who sees the world through the eyes of a photographer.
I highly recommend this as one of the finest films of the year and beyond. It is deep, likely to make a lasting impression.