Chilling, original film

Rating: 10/10 (19 October 1999)

This is a terrific film, full of great acting, and one of the best (and most original scripts) of the year. Kevin Spacey (one of my favorite actors), Annette Bening, Chris Cooper, and the rest of this cast give fantastic performances, with a story that is at times funny, chilling, pathetic, and probably features every other emotion. Alan Ball, a writer best known for sitcom work, and Sam Mendes, a theater director who debuts as a film director here, have a tremendous sense of visual style, originality, and a story to wring you out. Thomas Newman's music adds to the starkness of this film.
American Beauty is the type of film where you exit the theater knowing that you've experienced is terrific, but can't feel exuberant about what you've just seen, because of its subject matter. No matter - make sure you get to see a true "American Beauty."