just brilliant

Rating: 10/10 (31 August 2005)

Lester has hit a crisis in life. Unappreciated at work, his marriage with Carolyn falling apart; the intimacy has disappeared with a non-existent sex life. His daughter Jane's life resembles any teenager; confused, angst, unclear, while her friend Angela, loaded with self esteem dreams of being a model. Carolyn holds her facade of perfection, while her real estate job become more painful with every depressingly negative customer. Moving in next door, Ricky wanders on the edge of the social scene. His father Frank is emotionally repressed, never making conversation longer than a few sentences with Ricky. All of them have been stuck with their lives, yet while they break free from their dead ends, freedom has its price.
American Beauty is one of the most beautiful movies ever to grace the history of film. The notion of suburbia's dark side; behind the white picket fence is a world of secrets, has been explored by many, though Sam Mendez has created such a deep and rich pathos of the characters; freedom and individualism, sex and desire, anxiety and change. Alan Ball's script is darkly witty, grabbing us from the get go. The humor slowly morphs, as the emotional tensity builds upon itself, buildings to its heart breaking crescendo.
Sam Mendez's direction is beautifully enhanced by Conrad L. Hall's cinematography. The widescreen perfectly shows the irony of the world the characters live in. Rooms of the houses have symmetrical design, while the furnishings balance out each other; when the dilemma's of the characters are anything but balanced. The rich pastel colour palette is so vibrant. Thomas Newman's amazing score harmoniously works to the story, increasing the tension of every scene.
In his Oscar winning role, Kevin Spacey is amazing. Embodying a man who has hit bottom, fitting his way out to his ideals, Spacey is just mesmerising. Annette Bening is also wonderful, bring the her best role of her career. Thora Birch brought so much beauty to Jane, matched wonderfully by Mena Suvari. Chris Cooper emotionally withdrawn role of Frank is amazing. Wes Bentley injected so much mystery and awe to Ricky, creating such an enigma of a character.
For a comedy that makes you cry, and a drama that makes you laugh, American Beauty is one powerful film, becoming an instant classic.