Beautiful, Insightful, Important American Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (21 September 2004)

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS*** "American Beauty" is one of those rare films which succeeds marvelously both in its entertainment and cinematic values, in delivering on a variety of latitudes. It offers a fascinating, simple tale, of a frustrated, ordinary suburbanite finally deciding to reverse the injustices and slums of his life in being everything he has always desired to be. This epiphany comes in the midst of a mid-life crisis, as he becomes estranged from his family, leery of his career and his recent state of life, where "the highlight of (his) day is in the shower". Couple this with his sudden fascination with his daughter's beautiful friend, and you have one entertaining, funny, and hearty tale reflecting the American way of life. In the process of entertaining us with whimsical, hilarious, and valuable lines and the actors delivering brilliant, unforgettable performances, we examine some crucial problems in society (e.g. homophobia, drug addiction, obsession with appearance, etc.), in the life of the Burnham family and their new neighbors. This is a funny, genial, and satiric classic of the contemporary American conscience, and the willpower deep within ourselves to correct our seemingly miserable lives. Lester Burnham provides many of us a heroic example of how we can reject everything which has consumed us in our misery, and begin recreation, in quitting our petty jobs, announcing our voice at the dinner table, and perhaps getting in shape to be as impressive as we can be. We learn about the beauty of life not belying in a materialistic, operational society, but rather, in the brilliant blowing of the wind, causing such an insignificant object as a plastic bag to appear marvelous as it dances in the air. This is a film that reminds us that it is never too late to recognize the true beauties of life, to improve upon our own lives, and to strive towards achieving those unreachable subjects of our dreams. This is a cinematic masterpiece, featuring not only an indelible, valuable story, but brilliant, passionate direction, wonderful, biting performances, engaging, unforgettable dialogue, and rich, poignant music. "American Beauty" will definitely be remembered and treasured as one of the most important and insightful films in cinematic history, a beautiful gem of a movie. **** out of ****