If ever there was an example to justify the common saying "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," here it is. Graphically presented on the big screen and continuous for R-rated scrutiny, "American Beauty" tests the popular notion and in turn tests the tolerance level of patrons who may have heard a buzz about the flick. Starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Suvara and Chris Cooper. the film focuses on a suburban neighborhood where manicured lawns tell of the state of disarray inside the home.
To an obviously functional American family, a husband, wife and only child seemingly enjoy each other's company and set out on daily routines as a family. The next-door neighbors are both named Jim. The pair of lovers are a mystery to another American family at the other end of the block. This family is comprised of an ex-Marine who has not really adjusted to civilian retirement, a reclusive wife and a son who is being all he can be without disillusioning his father's disciplined and regimented expectations. As if the community does not present a beauty of a story in itself, director Sam Mendes takes his lens out to include even more dysfunctional individuals. And what better place but the learning center, a school's gymnasium where a cheerleader boosts the testosterone level of her best friend's father.
Perhaps that was where "American Beauty" became an eye-opener. Spacey is Lester Burnham, a middle-aged husband and father who has lost his lust for life. Going about the motions is all he does as he routinely rises to accept his duties as a provider. Bening epitomizes mirth, success and order. As the lovely Carolyn Burnham, she is driven as the No. 2 agent in the real estate market. She sees her role as wife and mother as secure and complete with all the accoutrements.
When her teenage daughter Jane (Birch) introduces her best friend to the family, Carolyn is oblivious to the changes that overtake the household. For dad, the changes affect his job, his self-image and his perception of marriage. But while all this may sound beautiful, it is the retired Marine's son who is entranced with beauty.
He captures it on video and replays it on a big screen he mounts in his bedroom. The most beautiful image he taped was a "dancing plastic bag." With plenty of time on his hands, Ricky Fitts (Bentley) recorded 15 minutes of a white plastic bag in motion. As the wind blew the bag from earth to air Fitts imagines the bag dancing for his pleasure. O.K., after an explanation, one could concede the beauty of that interlude. His constant obsession in taping Jane, his neighbor, can even be understood as beauteous. However, Fitts discovers true beauty when he encounters a grotesque scenario. It occurs when he is without his camera and on his way to life on his own and away from his father.
The film's promotional staff beckons audiences to "look closer" when viewing "American Beauty." Perhaps beauty is really in the eye of the beholder.