How could it be better?

Rating: 10/10 (3 October 1999)

I can't understand how anyone can be critical of this film. Not that I expect everyone to like it...in fact I'm surprised at the number of people who do. But love it or hate it, it couldn't be done any better. Do I want to see a film like this every day? No! But for what it is, it's perfect.
American Beauty is a total paradox. How can a movie with such depressing subject matter be so laugh out loud hilarious? How can a film filled with such ugly situations and people make you appreciate the beauty that surrounds us? Maybe it's because life is depressing and hilarious and ugly and beautiful.
Many people keep emphasizing that every character is unlikable...I don't agree. Which the obvious exception of one character, none of them turn out to be as bad as they appear to be. (And even that character reveals a tender side, if only for a moment.) In fact, Lester is practically a hero (OK, maybe an anti-hero).
OK, I will make one criticism. The gay couple exist only to set up a plot point. They are only shown as positive. I would have liked to have seen the negative points of their relationship as well. A movie this deep shouldn't have any shallow characters.
Any film that gets people thinking and talking is a good thing.