One of the great movies of our time

Rating: Null/10 (22 February 2003)

Undoubtedly the best film of 1999, American Beauty won best picture and rightfully so. I believe it deserved more praise than it got, actually, and should have gotten nominations for Chris Cooper definitely, and its teens, Wes Bentley and Thora Birch, gave the best angsty performances since Timothy Hutton won for Ordinary People. The film does have its flaws, mind you, as do all films, but the idea is brilliant, the execution done well, and the acting superb. The film's pacing is off a little, and at times it feels it has an incredible introduction (probably one of the best beginnings I've ever seen of a movie), and a powerful ending, but no middle. This has little bearing, and, indeed, I do feel this movie was almost perfect, though people may think me over-zealous.
The film's take on the issue of homosexuality gets somewhat heavy-handed at times and overdone, but it is a small issue. I found this movie the most emotional and raw film I have ever seen about life in suburbia. It says so much about life, consequence, love, and loss. It deals with characters with incredible flaws, some doing things that can't be forgiven, but the audience always feels compassion for them all. It is by no means predictable, but doesn't dwell on its surprises. I really believe this movie is life-changing. A film everyone should see!