A true Beauty!

Rating: 10/10 (22 February 2000)

I saw this movie in preparation for the golden globes, and I was terribly disappointed by the foreign press. This movie has to be nominated in every possible section! I was petrified by the brilliant dialogue, every scene being memorable standing alone and working towards the climax. While I thought Annette Bening was acting well, the performances of Thora Birch, Wes Bentley and Chris Cooper were outstanding. But no(!) actor can prevail against Mena Suvari and - as usual - Kevin Spacey. While Spacey is probably Hollywood's best actor at the moment, and a less-than-perfect performance seems impossible for him, Mena Suvari totally surprised me. I even went to see 'American Pie' just because of her. If it weren't for the age difference, I'd say I experienced the birth of a new Bogart-Bacall type of duo. Anyway, the film is great fun to watch, and throughout the whole movie you pray that Lester isn't going to die, even though it's probably the only way that poor guy is really able to leave his miserable life. I seldomly watched a comedy that was so tragic, a satire so serious, a fiction so true and REAL characters in a gripping, romantic, excellently-shot movie about the last week of a typical American (is he?). And all in one movie! I won't even start to mention the fabulous camera, directing, music, story, or the small parts which are all equally well played. If you liked any one movie except 'Naked Gun' or 'Rambo' - and probably even then - you'll love this movie!!!