The film analyzes dysfunctional families and through color and lighting important symbols are revealed throughout the film

Rating: 7/10 (4 February 2012)

Sam Mendes creates a film of beauty incorporating several issues of dysfunctional families using creative symbols through color and lighting throughout the film. Every time I watch this film I enjoy it more and more, although it does leave you with a sour taste in your mouth in the conclusion of the film. In my eyes this film deserved the awards that Medes received because it is like none other. The film emphasizes how the behavior of individuals, especially within dysfunctional families can lead to disturbing and harmful behaviors given the proper situation. The color, lighting, and different angles through the film make it unique and one of a kind.
Kevin Spacy does an exquisite job playing the character of Lester Burnham; a middle aged man who questions the way he has been living his life and has had enough of being treated like he doesn't exist by his wife and daughter. Lester is the main character in the film and he is going through a mid-life crisis through the majority of the film.
Carolyn Burnham, is a character played by Annette Bening, is Lester's wife in the film and lives for success and material things. Her idea of a family is being seen as picture perfect among others.
Thora Burch plays the character of Jane who Carolyn and Lester's daughter. Like a normal teenager she is often misunderstood by her parents. Her best friend is Angela, which is played by Mena Savari; an aspiring model, whom likes the attention from boys and men. Jane falls in love with Ricky (Wes Bentley), the boy next door who is also misunderstood by his parents and others. I really did not like the long recordings that Ricky did throughout the film, although the recordings were definitely necessary in regards to what he saw as beautiful, I did not think that they needed to be so long and occur so frequently throughout the film.
The film puts a twist on the meaning of beauty and death through symbolic messages, such as the color of red. Red roses and a red door are only two of the many symbolic messages that are displayed in the film. There were several images that could be disturbing to some, but all in all Sam Mendes had a great message to viewers. The theme can be defined by the following; never underestimate the power of revenge, enjoy the simple things in life; because they are beautiful, and live your life to the fullest because you never know when it may end.