Movies are almost never this good

Rating: 10/10 (6 March 2000)

I have long resisted commenting on this movie because so many reviewers have compared it to Happiness, many claiming that Happiness is the better picture. As a result, I became convinced that I needed to see Happiness before I could responsibly comment of this film. Well, I saw Happiness this weekend, and it's no contest; American Beauty is definitely the better film (you can also read my scathing review of Happiness if you like).
By the way, I'd like to note that I saw American Beauty when it first opened, so I liked it before all the hype.
I'm in college now, but I grew up in the suburbs (including suburbs of Atlanta, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.). I can promise, without hesitation, that this is the best representation of suburban life I have ever seen. True, the characters are arguably stereotypes, but they are REALISTIC stereotypes. I can point to specific people in my past that are exactly like each of the three main teenage characters. And, while I consider my own family to be extremely functional, I know several people who's family lives are similar to the Burnhams.
But, to me, the reason American Beauty transcends other films that have addressed this subject is that it is both realistic and optimistic. This film acknowledges the problems with suburban life, but its message is one of hope and redemption. I don't understand why some have interpreted this film as cynical or depressing. From my view, American Beauty is a reaction to cynicism and, furthermore, a rejection of it. The film's characters are only redeemed when they abandon their cynicism and/or negativity.
By the way, my personal opinion is that the female characters in the film are redeemed just as the male characters are (a lot of reviewers don't seem to agree). For example, I think Carolyn's last action in the film really demonstrates that she is beginning to heal. Think about what she does and keep in mind that she is not yet aware of another recent plot occurrence.
A perfect cast, a talented director, an inspired script, even an appropriately quirky musical score - American Beauty has it all. Movies are almost never this good. 10/10