Cinematic genius

Rating: 10/10 (3 September 2000)

Brilliant. I went to see it twice at the theatre, and I've recently added the video to my collection. Not only is American Beauty one of my favourite films of 1999, I can honestly say that it is now one of my favourite films of all time. Once in a while, a movie comes along that leaves you looking at life from a different perspective. American Beauty is one such film.
Excellent direction by Sam Mendes, inventive and hilarious script by Alan Ball, and Conrad Hall offers us a visually stunning piece of cinematic history. The performances are OUTSTANDING: Kevin Spacey once again shows us what a profound, complex talent he is in his portrayal of "everyman" Lester Burnham, Annette Bening is spectacularly neurotic and frightening as Carolyn Burnham. The bright, young actors in this film, Mena Suvari, Thora Birch and Wes Bentley offer superb depictions of teenagers with substance (a character trait which is lacking from most teenage roles these days). All five Oscars were well-deserved! I truly cannot find a single flaw in this movie! It's pure magic, pure beauty.