American Beauty (1999)

Director: Sam Mendes

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Peter Gallagher

A sexually frustrated suburban father has a mid-life crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter’s best friend.

‘American Beauty’ is one of my all-time favorite movies for so many reasons. From the excellent cast to the beautiful photography and cinematography, this is a very special film and a motion picture masterpiece.

‘American Beauty’ features interesting characters and fantastic character development. This film can be used as an example of character study, as every single character undergoes character development. It simply is sensational!

Kevin Spacey stars as Lester, who is viewed by his family as a total loser. With a new outlook on life after meeting his daughter’s girlfriend, Angela (very well played by Mena Suvari), he decides to change his life completely. These drastic measures affects everyone around him, including his neighbors. The blend of humor and drama is seamless, with the dry humor being very effective – and funny! Kevin Spacey steals the show, and gives an incredible performance. (And he is looking mighty fine, too!)

‘American Beauty’ is a film that deserves numerous viewings, and needs to be watched alone at least once – to allow all your senses to open up to all the different elements, while you ponder about how relatable this is – possibly to your own life.

‘American Beauty’ is a beautiful film, and was a huge critical and commercial success. It earned $356.3 million on a $15 million budget. It received 213 award nominations, winning 111 – including 5 Oscars (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Writing, Best Cinematography). It is currently IMDB’s 83th highest rating film of all time. A very special film indeed!

Would I watch it again? Absolutely!