American Beauty (1999) Movie Review
by JennyAmerican Beauty (2000)" src="//cfm.yidio.com/images/article/images/artcile_316.jpg" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left; width: 350px; height: 490px; " />"What's the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?" A teen boy asks an awkward teen girl. He then shows her a home video of a plastic grocery bag caught in the wind swirling around and floating away. This is the oddity that is American Beauty.
The first time I saw it when the film had just been released and there was tons of hype about it, well honestly, I didn't get it. I didn't appreciate all the quiet moments and the message about society Alan Ball had added.
Upon watching it again when I was several years older I remember finally "getting it." The film is a masterpiece, it really is. While there's subject matter that may be uncomfortable for some to deal with including an adult man fantasizing over a teen girl, an affair, teen sex, homosexuality and youth use of tobacco products and illegal substances it is all very real, for better or worse.
What we have with this film is a look at what on the outside seems to be an ordinary American family. And in many ways that assumption is correct. However what is really going on is everyone is on the verge of breaking out of their shell and fighting the conformity of everyday living. They all can't stand the fake smiles and make pretend happiness anymore. Each person is seeking their own happiness whether it's seen as right or wrong in the eyes of the world.
And even throughout the film assumptions and things you thought you understood change. It's an eye opener if you haven't seen it. Just watch with an open mind and you'll be amazed at all the things it makes you think of.
Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening play the leading roles in American Beauty.
American Beauty (1999) trailer: