American Beauty 1999

Gary's Movie Reviews and Ratings

American Beauty

= 87 =

This is a very very good movie. One of my favourite sayings is that 'perception is reality'. This means that many of the problems that people face are actually caused by flaws in the way they see the world. This story is full of people who are suffering because of flawed interpretations of their environment. Lester Burham summed up when he told Colonel Fits 'I think you've got the wrong idea'. He wasn't the only one.

A strong central theme alone does not a great movie make. This movie features stunning performances from Kevin Spacey (as the disillusioned Lester Burnham) and Annette Bening (as his distractingly ambitious wife). There is also a wonderful supporting cast of larger than life suburban weirdos. Add in some wonderful camera work (the work of Conrad Hall) and you have the ingredients for a classic.

Entertaining and thought provoking. A must see.

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Director: Sam Mendes

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Suvari, Chris Cooper, Alison Janney

Date seen: 16 November 1999

Last Updated 20 January 1999