Very Over-criticized

Rating: 10/10 (8 June 2000)

As soon as I saw this film in November, I knew it would receive Oscar nominations. It is currently my favorite drama ever made, and is one of very few movies that has lured me into the theaters twice. And as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be over-criticized.
I applaud Alan Ball for one of the finest writing jobs ever conducted in cinematic history. The symbolism that he sets up with his characters and their situations truly makes one ponder several aspects of life. For those who criticize the movie, allow me to say this in its defense: of COURSE you don't know anyone who would give up a good job for a burger joint, nor would you very often see a middle aged man pursue a young teenager and successfully do so (although that does happen in our society, particularly older men being attracted to younger women). BUT there is symbolism to everything in this movie, from the middle-aged man desiring something that society tells him he can't have, to the negative effects that repressing natural feelings can have on those surrounding you.
American Beauty is an excellent, thought provoking film. If you only see it as perverted, then the entire point of the movie is simply over your head, and you've probably led a sheltered life that doesn't allow you to believe what you see when you "look closer".