An outstanding achievement

Rating: 10/10 (14 June 2003)

American Beauty is an outstanding achievement in cinema. Everything about the movie is amazing. From the opening video to the final voice over the film is almost perfect.
This film is one of the few times that I have left a cinema and felt so many emotions. The movie is well written by Alan Ball whose script is deep and emotional one moment and then hilarious the next moment. Some of the issues raised in this film are dealt with more in depth in Alan Ball's series "Six Feet Under" but it never matches the power that it is shown with in this film.
Sam Mendes is able to bring the characters to life with wonderful performances by Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Chris Cooper and company. And is backed up by some wonderful images captured by the late Conrad. L Hall and some strange music from Thomas Newman.
I know that not everyone likes this film and I understand. But of your after a film that is truly wonderful and above most of the garbage that Hollywood produces then this is for you.