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| American Beauty Reviewed |
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 Rating:  Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Benning, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Suvari, Chris Cooper Director: Sam Mendes Writer: Alan Ball It's hard to find anything fresh or original to say about this movie, and singing its praises has almost become the norm. Still, it has earned all the critical accliam it has won. What started out as a scathing attack on suburbia inspired by the Amy Fisher scandal soon turned into a beautiful and moving portrayal of life. It's a story about the hardships of life, what can happen when one becomes too docile, and also what can happen when one becomes too free. At times a black comedy, at other times a moving drama, and still at other points it is supspenseful. With true and witty dialogue, moving scenes, incredible special effects, and some of the most quotable lines this side of Shakespeare in Love, Alan Ball had created a true masterpiece. But it is not merely clever writing. With his role as Lester Burnam, Kevin Spacey takes his position as one of the leading actors on the scene today. This portrayal of a sleepwalking pushover who comes alive in the middle of his life only to have his freedom at the expense of so many others, will be at the top of his already impressive resumé. Opposite him is the anal retentive bitch of a wife played by Annette Benning. The friction between these two is incredible. Another suprising role that has lacked any credit is Chris Cooper's role as the ex-military, overbearing father. His character was not unlike the one he played in October Sky, but with much more depth. It is a difficult role, but Cooper handles it well. I can't wait to see more of him as time wears on. And the final genuis in newcomer Sam Mendes, who steps behind the camera for the first time. A renown director on the stage whose credits include the racy Broadway hit The Blue Room with Nicole Kidman, Mendes has just enough artsy touch to elevate this move to a higher plane. The dreamy sequences involving the little Lolita Angela Hayes and the various rose images are incredible. One would expect no less from Dream Works. However, they have avoided giving it a mass marketed, big studio feel. With all these factors coming together, the end result is the movie that most deserves the Academy Award. A movie that will make you laugh, gasp, and cry, Beauty moves from being highly cynical to suddenly optimistic and never feels incongrous. You will meet seven of the most neurotic people you could ever imagine, yet the feeling is never lost that all of them could be living right next door to any of us. "There's nothing worse than being ordinary," Angela states at one point. Perhaps she is right, but this movie is in no danger of being categorized in that degree. My Verdict: There's so much beauty in this movie, I feel like my heart's going to burst. |
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