Rich, powerful, a work of genius

Rating: Null/10 (23 July 2000)

I knew little about this movie before I saw it. I was amazed at its power, imagination, insights, revelations, and beauty.
The title has multiple meanings: the beautiful girl; the recurring theme of roses--cultivation of roses is one of Carolyn's gifts; the cynical idea that "American beauty" is plastic and meaningless; the transcendent concepts of the ubiquity of beauty, so magnificent as to be unbearable, beauty of people, beauty of something so simple as a bag floating in the wind, and the beauty of every moment of a stupid little life.
Annette Bening is wonderful. She masterfully reveals the vulnerability and beauty of a character in whom a less expert actress might well portray neither. Kevin Spacey is perfect for the part. All of the characters are portrayed as real believable people, of many dimensions, about whom one cares deeply and whom one can love deeply. The casting, acting, directing, editing, photography, script, and overall concept are excellent.
The most amazing thing of all is how people brilliant enough to create such a masterpiece can fail to comprehend the mendacity, corruption, and blatant immorality (Note: immorality is not to be confused with sexual misbehavior; morality is not to be confused with sexual prudery) prevalent on the U.S. national political scene at the time this movie was made. Some of these people--evidently--have given active support to some of the most corrupt and immoral politicians in U.S. history.
The explanation no doubt lies in a line from the movie: "Never underestimate the power of denial."