Kevin Spacey gives an Oscar worthy performance.

Rating: 8/10 (20 January 2000)

I think anyone who enjoys an Oscar winning performance should see "American Beauty" because Kevin Spacey gives an Oscar worthy performance. His enigmatic smile and the twinkle in his eyes adds to the impact of the zingers he delivers with such adept verve that you can not help bursting out laughing. There have been many movies made concerning the male mid-life crisis but this movie does it more creatively. If you hate personnel management people (particularly the hired gun short term types) and would love to tell your employer where to shove your job then behold how Spacey's character does it. Who says that blackmail does not pay. It is even more hilarious when he applies for a job flipping burgers. The dinner scene when he explains how his day went to his wife and daughter is a classic. In so many of the films lately (Insider and Any Given Sunday) all the wife is concerned about is their upper middle class status and what the loss of income will do. As part of his mid-life crisis Spacey's character lusts after his daughter's friend. It is really touching how the climax of this relationship is handled. I was confused and disturbed by the ending of this film but there is no doubt in my mind that Kevin Spacey is solidifying his place as one of America's most talented actors.