10/26/99
American Beauty stars Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham, Annette Bening as Carolyn Burnham, Thora Birch as Jane Burnham, Wes Bentley as Ricky Fitts, Mena Suvari as Angela Hayes, Peter Gallagher as Buddy Kane, Chris Cooper as Colonel Frank Fitts, Allison Janney as Barbara Fitts, Scott Bakula as Jim #1, Sam Robards as Jim #2, Barry Del Sherman as Brad.
American Beauty tells the story of a just murdered man, Lester Burnham, and his short journey to happiness. This tale starts in a typical neighborhood suburban setting. We are initially given the surface view the families and players. At first glance, we are in Pleasantville where everything is perfect. We get acquainted with the neighbors, a perfect gay couple, Jim and Jim, and just moved in neighbors Colonel Frank Fitts and family. Carolyn Burnham is a real estate broker, who is second only to the king of real estate, Buddy Kane. She practices positive self-visualization and thinking. She has become mechanical in all aspects of her life, clothing, dinner, etc, a Stepford Wife. Lester Burnham works in advertising for a magazine. He, too, goes through the motions of being a husband, father, etc. Their daughter, Jane, a withdrawn teenager, who dislikes her father spend most of her time with a beautiful friend, Angela Hayes.
All is perfect until Lester Burnham is requested to write a job description from a young new efficiency expert, Brad. He dislikes Brad and the superficial life he has led. His changes become the catalyst for the changes that take place, much like a trail of dominoes when the first one is knocked over. Lester Burnham is the first toppled domino. He quits his job, to pursue a happier and less complicated life without the facades of the previous years.
American Beauty tells a wonderful story in the way an archaeologist removes layers of dirt to reveal layers of history. This film does the same thing. With each change in Lester Burnham, we reveal a new layer of change in the players. We get to see the real people bit by bit. As Lester Burnham is becoming happier and happier, the rest of the cast is increasing their anxiety.
This film is excellent! The acting is academy award winning. The turns this film takes and the reaction of the players is refreshing and thought provoking. If you are entertained by shallow comedy or drama this film is not for you. However, if you like your intellectual taste buds tickled go see this film.
I give it 5 out of 5 rose petal dreams: