AMERICAN BEAUTY; AMERICAN CLASSIC

Rating: 10/10 (21 September 1999)

This may be the best film of 1999. An inventive script, really creative directing, and acting that is just superb make this an American classic. Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning deserve Academy Award nominations. Thora Birch becomes a woman. Sam Mendes also warrants consideration for his artful directing. Every element of this film is perfectly measured and portioned. The comedy and the tragedy work well together. WAR OF THE ROSES meets FARGO somewhere in middle America. Stunning. Provocative. Lustful. Powerful. A must see for film folks.