American Beauty (1999) Movie Review

By: Selina
(Sheerness)

Directed by: Sam Mendes
Written by: Alan Ball
Starring:
Kevin Spacey - Lester Burnham
Annette Bening - Carolyn Burnham
Thora Birch - Jane Burnham
Wes Bentley - Ricky Fitts
Mena Suvari - Angela Hayes
Chris Cooper - Col. Frank Fitts, USMC
Peter Gallagher - Buddy Kane
Allison Janney - Barbara Fitts
Scott Bakula - Jim Olmeyer
Sam Robards - Jim Berkley
Barry Del Sherman - Brad Dupree











The tale of a middle aged man going through a midlife crisis is something we have all witnessed before - the neighbour pulling up in a brand new car scenario. However, this film carefully captures the journey of a midlife crisis and takes it to the extreme, providing hilarious entertainment in parts. Namely, the scene that sees Kevin Spacey flipping burgers, having given up his management job.

Kevin Spacey effectively hypnotises the audience, as he does in all his films. We feel as suffocated by his life as he is, from start to finish. The visual imagery throughout the film further adds to the suspense that it portrays throughout. Some of the visual imagery is intended to shock the audience, and leaves a lasting impression, that makes the film one that wont be forgotten.