American Beauty (1999)

American Beauty (1999)

American Beauty just seems like an iconic film. The images associated with it, the title itself just drips classic film, and I don't know why, I had never seen it before. It gets some discussion, but not as much as the established "classics" and the reason for that is obvious, it was released in 1999, just 12 years ago, which doesn't seem like that long ago when put into perspective with the history of film. But it remains that American Beauty was the year's Best Picture winning. In fact, it won 5 Oscars that year, more than any other film. And sure, not a whole lot of stock is put in who wins what at the Academy Awards each year, I mean The Social Network lost to The King's Speech last year, but that is a whole separate discussion altogether, so now let me focus solely on this film.

Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) is an unhappy 40-something man who has been working for a magazine for 14 years. He is in a loveless marriage that has seen better days with Carolyn (Annette Bening), a mediocre real estate agent who is equally unhappy, even if she hides it in her pursuit of suburban perfection. Their daughter is Jane (Thora Birch), who it seems is almost ashamed to be their daughter. Her best friend Angela (Mena Suvari) is a pretty girl whom Lester lusts after, which disturbs Jane, but seems to turn Angela on a little bit. Meanwhile the Fitts family has moved in next door. Ricky (Wes Bentley) is the son who makes his money dealing pot and loves to film things, particularly Jane. His father is Col. Frank Fitts, USMC (Chris Cooper). He is a tough son of a gun who is extremely prejudiced against homosexuals. Watch as they interact and crazy things happen!