A truthful and entertaining look at our lives.

Rating: 10/10 (6 February 2003)

The viewer 'experiences' American Beauty, as it explores the human mind and looks at our ordinary existence. A truthful and entertaining look at our lives. I feel that I can relate to the characters in one way or another, and this helps me 'experience' this film, find a new direction, and power to my life.
With an excellent script by Alan Ball involving lines like "When you've got nothing to lose, you might as well risk everything." I believe that is great advice and think people should take that on board.
And "I'm just an ordinary guy with nothing to lose," which sums up Kevin Spacey's character Lester Burnham extremely well, as we follow the events in his life. Events as drastic as Lester quitting his job to go work at a hamburger joint, to the point where he takes up smoking pot and fantasising about his daughters girl friends.
Spacey portrays a man at the point of breakdown who rises from the flames, and deserves his Oscar for best actor.
American Beauty taught me four things; 1. That beauty is all around us: "Sometimes there's so much beauty, in the world. I feel like I can't take it." 2. Life is long, but short. 3. Life is valuable. 4. And to have the best time of your life...