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American Beauty (The Awards Edition) Customer Reviews (1 - 3 of 109 Reviews)

I Can't Believe You Don't Know How Beautiful You Are.
American Beauty is a 1999 film, written by Alan Ball and directed by Sam Mendes. Right from the start, critics were especially positive toward the picture. Publicity for the film grew, and it finally received a wide release that garnered almost $360 million in world revenues, not bad for a project with a $15 million budget. At the Oscars, American Beauty acquired an astounding eight nominations. Kevin Spacey won for "Best Actor In A Leading Role", Conrad L. Hall collected the "Best Cinematography" award, Alan Ball received the "Best Screenplay" prize, Mendes took home the title of "Best Director", and American Beauty even earned the honor being of the year's "Best Picture".

So, what is American Beauty all about? I found myself wondering this quite often when hearing its praise, to me it just seemed to be a standard tale of a man on the brink of a mid-life crisis. First of all, American Beauty is anything by archetypal. It is actually tricky to explain; black comedy, family drama, love story, tragedy, and mystery are just a few ways to behold this melting pot of genres. Interpretations of the picture can drastically range as well. For me, American Beauty really brings about a sense of exploration, not only in film but life. All of the characters are on the verge of a break down because of their constricting lives, this can be observed as a reminder to viewers of how we take our days for granted. We need to live our short existence to the fullest and really appreciate the beauty and wonder it brings. Fortunately, the filmmakers present these potentially maudlin themes in a much more enlightening manners. Alan Ball, whose work I truly admired on HBO's Six Feet Under, creates such original and genuine characters. Every single person he constructs is versatile. Through Ball's subtle character development and sharp writing, the feature's subject matters are made universal. If Ball weren't as victorious in connecting us with these people, so much of the poignancy of American Beauty would diminish.

Sam Mendes, who might I mention made his directorial debut with this film, has created something that most veteran director's will never achieve; he effectively lets the pictures play an intricate part in the production of emotion for the story. There is no denying he is a remarkably visionary director. He brings about an elusive tone that is strikingly complemented by Conrad L. Hall's flourishing cinematography. They both show a great appreciation for scenery, lighting, and the subtle insights filmmaking has to offer. Thomas Newman's graceful score is put to exceptional use as well.

One of the key points in American Beauty's success is the acting. A single miscast could have taken a great deal out of the picture. Like the majority, I agree that Kevin Spacey delivers the finest performance of his career here. His attitude and facial expressions are just dead right for Lester; there is no doubt that he rightfully earned that Oscar. Annette Bening, also nominated for an Academy Award, though, with less luck, is amazing as Carolyn. The scene that I remember best from Bening involve her, after many failed attempts at selling a piece of real estate, going into the said house and completely falling apart after closing all the blinds. It is raw, and Bening handles it with such simplicity. Thora Birch also deserves notice for bringing about all of the layers her very complex character contains. The supporting cast shines as well; Allison Janney's take on the catatonic housewife really stands out.

Overall, American Beauty is a transcendent movie experience because it leaves us sorrowful but also rejuvenated and hopeful towards life.

American Beauty DVD
American Beauty is a very well-done, powerful movie. It kept our attention until the end.

Life as a Married Man
This is my undisputed favorite movie of all time. I ordered it as a gift for someone who has never seen it. Lester Burnham releases the real man who has been supressed by his marriage and family for way too long. He is my personal hero. Even though it ends tragic for him, it ends happy for him. Awesome.

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