A modern day masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (16 April 2002)

I don't actually think words can convey how exceptionally good this film actually is. Its not just about an incredibly free flowing, funny, moving, complex and clever plot its the acting, the direction, cinematography, editing, score and the overall picture that makes American Beauty a joy to watch time and time again. With even the opening letting you into the Burnhams world is intensely interesting, being just the start of what is going to be an eye opening picture.
The performances are all top class not one person turning in a slightly over rated performance, whether it be Spacey's effortless portrait of Lester down to Scott Bakula's next-door neighbor Jim, all give the performance of a life time!
Thomas Newman's score just floats underneath the dialogue or on top of the cinematography as if part of the overall picture never intruding never lost. Mendes direction is friendly yet aloof to the viewer bringing you in so far then pushing you away at the last second. masterful.
Words can not explain the greatness of this film so instead of reading this rent, buy, steal do anything u can to watch it but make sure you do...........