Long description
AMERICAN BEAUTY tells the story of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a suburban father who snaps when he becomes disgusted with his stale, repetitive existence. Burnham lets us know in voice-over from the film's opening that this is the day he dies (using the SUNSET BOULEVARD flashback approach), a technique that adds an inevitable tension to the proceedings and keeps the story moving forward at all times. On a whim, Lester quits his job and begins a regression into young adulthood, lifting weights, smoking pot, doing nothing, and discovering the overflowing sexuality of his 16-year-old daughter's best friend, Angela (Mena Suvari). His wife, Carolyn (Annette Bening), has her own midlife crisis of sorts. A real estate agent, she experiences a youthful awakening when super-agent Buddy Kane (Peter Gallagher) seduces her repeatedly. Meanwhile, Jane (Thora Birch), the Burnhams' daughter, is pursued by Ricky (Wes Bentley), the mysterious boy next door who carries a video camera around with him at all times. When Ricky's militaristic father, Colonel Fitts (Chris Cooper), discovers something potentially horrifying on one of his tapes, and when Carolyn's rage for Lester's actions boils over, the time bomb finally explodes.
Review
Grant giving his finest performance
2006-07-06 10:06:00
Daily Star
"...AMERICAN BEAUTY is that rare instance where all the elements of a movie -- story, setting, acting, shot construction -- come together to convey its message..."
1999-11-01 00:00:00
Box Office
Special features
Behind The Scenes Featurette.
Audio Commentary with Director Sam Mendes and Screenwriter Alan Ball.
Storyboard Presentation with Sam Mendes and Director of Photography Conrad L. Hall.
2 Theatrical Trailers.
awards
BAFTA (1999) - Best Actor: Kevin Spacey
BAFTA (1999) - Best Actress: Annette Bening
BAFTA (1999) - Best Film:
OSCAR (1999) - Best Director: Sam Mendes
OSCAR (1999) - Best Picture:
OSCAR (1999) - Best Actor In A Leading Role: Kevin Spacey