THIS IS FILM MAKING

Rating: 10/10 (29 September 1999)

Wow is a one word review of this film. This year has brought many beautiful surprises but none shine as bright as American Beauty. The story however tragic, is uplifting at the same time. Kevin Spacey is magnificent and plays his role perfectly. I would imagine this role will earn him an Oscar nomination because frankly it is the best performance I've seen lately. To give a basic run down of the movie think, Falling Down without the hostility. Kevin Spacey is awakened from his monotonous daily life where the only thing he looks forward to is jacking off in the shower every morning. Suddenly, he is a new man. Doing what he wants when he wants. Risks aren't risks, they just become decisions. No worries, no problems. He lives life like everyone wants to but at the same time, aren't willing to take the risk to do it. At the same time, Spacey's daughter hates her parents. She thinks her dad is a complete idiot and has no interest in her (which couldn't be further from the truth). Her mom is a Martha Stewart in the making , minus the compassion and patience needed in raising a child. All the while, the new neighbors move in. Their son is a voyeur (a s***ty label but what else do you call someone who videotapes everything) who has taken an interest in the daughter and silently watches from afar. That's about all I wanna say so you can experience this movie. Like the director says, it sounds like a messed up sitcom but believe me when you see it you won't feel that way.