Look Closer...

Rating: Null/10 (9 March 2001)

When I first saw this movie I instantly fell in love with it. It was after the Oscars (American Beauty won for Best Movie) so I figured...it must be good. Even though I don't usually like movies that get so much hype. I know I'm a little young to be in love with a movie like this but hey...what the heck? The movie is basically about Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) going through kind of a mid-life crisis like stage in his life, to try to change it for the better so that it is more enjoyable. Although I thought his relationship with Angela (Mina Suvari) was kind of disgusting...I'm glad that they didn't take it to a place that was down right tasteless.

All of the actors in this movie were well casted. Kevin Spacey played the title character...Lester Burnham..a 40 something year old man just looking for a little bit of realism and happiness in his seemingly perfect life. Annette Bening excellently portrayed Carolyn Burnham, A suburban wife trying to seem perfect to everyone on the outside. In this desperate attempt to please people, she doesn't really please herself until she has a lusty affair with Buddy aka The "Real-estate King." While doing this she completely ignores her husband and her daughter, Jane. Jane is played by Thora Birch, who is IMO a wonderful actress. This is a new kind of role for Thora, who is usually playing a little sweetheart. But she does a wonderful job playing the confused, and bitterly unhappy Jane. Someone that most teenagers can relate to.
Right next door live the Fitts family. They, also putting on an act for everyone. Well, all of them except for Ricky played so wonderfully by newcomer Wes Bentley. Colonel Fitts is played by Chris Cooper. He does a wonderful job playing a homophobic marine. And Mrs. Fitts is played by Emmy winning Allison Janney. Even though she barely speaks in the movie...she gives a beautiful performance. And then there is Jane's best friend...Angela. Angela is a beautiful blonde young woman who wants to always be unordinary is beautiful. She is also the image of Lester Burnham's infatuation.
This movie had everything working for it. From the marvelous actors, beautiful cinematography, and the original score by Thomas Newman. I also loved the symbolism of the red on white effect that you kept viewing during the movie. Even thought you don't agree with everything that Lester Burnham does on his quest to become happy and try to be kind of like a kid again...you have to admire him. This movie takes you into the lives of a seemingly perfect suburban family. My score...9 out of 10. Definately worth seeing