A Truly Significant Film

Rating: 7/10 (25 January 2000)

American Beauty has the distinction of being a truly significant and honest film about the American family. In the tradition of such films as Ordinary People and The Godfather, 'Beauty' presents a picture of total disfunctionality...but with a sense of humor. In addition to stellar performances by Kevin Spacey and a manic Annette Bening, Thora Birch is a shining example of how a good child actor can grow up to be a really good young adult actor. However, it is relative newcomer Wes Bentley whose portrayal of the drug dealing, voyeuristic, next door love interest steals the movie. This film will be talked about for years to come.