Best of the Decade? An understatement.

Rating: 10/10 (26 November 1999)

Warning: somewhat subtle spoilers ahead. I have just returned from seeing this movie, and am still in awe. Granted, I'm in awe after seeing quite a few movies, but the important thing here is that that feeling has not faded the slightest bit since leaving the theatre. Not only do I want to see it again, but something in me tells me I NEED to see it again. Kevin Spacey solidified his status as the best modern American actor with his incredibly complex, yet totally convincing portrayal of Lester Burnham. A Willie Loman for suburban America, Lester is one of the best acted and written characters in years. Now that I have my Spacey praise in, on to the film. This film (the word "movie" is an insult here) is simply the greatest study in insecurity and hiding I have ever seen. Every character has a trademark insecurity that they constantly try to get over. This film is about these characters fighting against their insecurities and trying to grow beyond them. The metaphors for hiding are of the quality of a classic novel -- from the use of clothing to dinner plates to video cameras. American Beauty is, in my opinion, The Great American Tragedy. In fact, it is a tragedy right up there with Shakespeare's best. A man, in his quest for liberation from his insecurities, brings about his own demise. His pursuit indirectly inspires others to do the same. Their futures are left in the air. We can only hope for these people (yes, this film is so good you actually CARE about the characters as though they were real people) that they succeed, because after all, we see a little bit of ourselves in each of them. And finally: I'll never look at a bag blowing in the street in the same way again. A work of art. A perfect 10.