Awe inspiring...

Rating: 10/10 (5 October 1999)

American Beauty shines because it shatters genre barriers and includes amazing performances. It's a very serious adult drama, often a laugh riot, and other times an adolescent coming-of-age film. Composition of certain shots is extroardinary. (For example, when Lester is called into his boss' office, we see him in the center of the shot; blank emptiness of the room on either side of him to indicate his isolation.) This is clearly a film which communicates with imagery.
The plot twists and surprises always keep you guessing. Just when you think you know where it's going, you learn something new. It challenges, provokes, and stimulates the emotions. Brilliant directorial debut for Sam Mendes. Best film of the decade!