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American Beauty

A movie directed by Sam Mendes

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Wow

Apr 2, 2000

by Fudge23
posted in Movie Hype

Rating:

Pros: Great story and acting

Cons: None

What happens when an American Family melts down? The viewers of this film get an inside glimpse into a typical American family dealing with sexuality, monogamy, mid life crisis, teen angst, career highs, women as breadwinners, drugs, and the rest of the topics that we all deal with in our own everyday lives.

The acting is superb and the characters engrossing. The filming technique was unique and added much to the story.

Before I saw this film, I couldn't see what all the buzz was about Kevin Spacey. I now have been recruited to being a Spacey fan. The bottom line of this film is one of redemption and acceptance and finding one's self. Period. Enough said.

A must see.

Recommended:
Yes

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More American Beauty reviews

review by ryguy4738. September 17, 2011

posted in Movie Hype

For the love all things beautiful...

**** out of **** Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) is facing a midlife crisis; as many men in the movies have before (and after) him. He doesn't have a healthy relationship with his wife Carolyn (Annette Benning) or even his teenage daughter Jane (Thora Birch). Not to mention, he finds his job to be crappy; as if he's trapped in a world which he cannot escape. This is sad. The entirety of "American Beauty" is, in my image, sad. Why so many people quote the little "funny" lines … more

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Quick Tip by saralogan. September 19, 2010

A Quick Tip by saralogan

Years later, this seems a little dated and it is hard to see how new and exciting it was for viewers. The acting by Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning is reliably excellent. But it seems as though there is not much "there" there.

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review by Count_Orlok_22. March 02, 2009

posted in Movie Hype

What Is Life? What Is Beauty? What Is Truth? What Is Death?

First-time filmmaker Sam Mendes has won the hearts of critics and audiences alike, in what some are calling the most extraordinary cinematic directorial debut since Orson Welles' Citizen Kane in 1941. Sam Mendes' film, American Beauty, is a modern masterpiece and one of the seminal films of the last few decades. Mendes, who is perhaps best known for his revival of the stage production of Cabaret, brings all of his theatrical sensibilities to the screen and in doing so he has actually expanded the … more

Comments (16) Compliments (43)

review by Sheila. May 28, 2009

The Best Film I Have Seen In Over 10 Years!

Writer, Alan Ball's (of Six Feet Under & True Blood fame) first theatrical script blurs those stereotypical slow death in suburbia lines and keeps the viewer off balance throughout the entirety of the film. This film, is, above all, a deeply moving drama. The suburbanite, highly dysfunctional, Burnham Family is sad, enchanting, sickening, wonderful, confusing, tragic, abhorrent, and every other adjective listed in Websters. That is precisely what makes this film … more

Comments (5) Compliments (28)

review by Samie8183. December 17, 2008

One of the greatest!

This movie is truly one of the greats! Kevin Spacey does an excellent job as being a middle aged men going through a mid-life crisis. His family is pretty dysfunctional and he's really trying to find his place within his family. His infamous line "I Rule!" is the best and is such a perfect line for the movie. Annette Benning plays his wife whom is also very unhappy in her marriage and seeks out a colleague for support. This is one of her best performances. Their … more

Comments (1) Compliment

review by MzJen_2_review. February 15, 2006

The characters are not what they seem, up until the end........

Think about it, what makes this film the best of 1999 is the acting. Kevin Spacey shines as Lester Burnham, and Annette Bening (Carolyn Burnham) isn't far behind. Supporting cast members such as Wes Bentley (Ricky Fitts), Thora Birch (Jane Burnham), Mena Suvari (Angela Hayes), and Chris Cooper (Col. Frank Fitts) only adds to the drama of this film. I think the most special aspect of this film is how all of the characters intertwine in a way that is believable, yet fantastic at the same time. I congratulate … more

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review by Sheila. May 06, 2004

posted in Movie Hype

The Best Film I Have Seen In Over 5 Years!

Writer, Alan Ball's (of Six Feet Under fame) first theatrical script blurs those stereotypical slow death in suburbia lines and keeps the viewer off balance throughout the entirety of the film.This film, is, above all, a deeply moving drama. The suburbanite, highly dysfunctional, Burnham Family is sad, enchanting, sickening, wonderful, confusing, tragic, abhorrent, and every other adjective listed in Websters. That is precisely what makes this film a true "one-of-a-kind". Mr. Lester Burnham (Kevin … more

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see all American Beauty reviews (8)

About the reviewer

Fudge23
Ranked #1184

A working professional, partner and mother. I am a tech gadget loving person who enjoys saving time and money in my daily life. I review computer products, … more

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About this movie

Wiki

AMERICAN BEAUTY tells the story of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a suburban father who snaps when he becomes disgusted with his stale, repetitive existence. Burnham lets us know in voice-over from the film's opening that this is the day he dies (using the SUNSET BOULEVARD flashback approach), a technique that adds an inevitable tension to the proceedings and keeps the story moving forward at all times. On a whim, Lester quits his job and begins a regression into young adulthood, lifting weights, smoking pot, doing nothing, and discovering the overflowing sexuality of his 16-year-old daughter's best friend, Angela (Mena Suvari). His wife, Carolyn (Annette Bening), has her own midlife crisis of sorts. A real estate agent, she experiences a youthful awakening when super-agent Buddy Kane (Peter Gallagher) seduces her repeatedly. Meanwhile, Jane (Thora Birch), the Burnhams' daughter, is pursued by Ricky (Wes Bentley), the mysterious boy next door who carries a video camera around with him at all times. When ...

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Details

Cast: Annette Bening, Kevin Spacey, Allison Janney, Chris Cooper, Wes Bentley, Thora Birch, Sam Robards, Mena Suvari, Peter Gallagher, Scott Bakula, Marissa Jaret Winokur

Director: Sam Mendes

Genre: Classics, Comedy, Drama, Gay & Lesbian, Mystery, Romance

Release Date: September 8, 1999; September 15, 1999

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 2hrs 0min

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