American Beauty
IMDB Rating: 8.50, 126467 votes
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Taglines
Storyline
Lester and Carolyn Burnham are on the outside, a perfect husband and wife, in a perfect house, in a perfect neighborhood. But inside, Lester is slipping deeper and deeper into a hopeless depression. He finally snaps when he becomes infatuated with one of his daughters friends. Meanwhile, his daughter Jane is developing a happy friendship with a shy boy-next-door named Ricky who lives with a homophobic father.
Actors
| Lester Burnham | Kevin Spacey |
| Carolyn Burnham | Annette Bening |
| Jane Burnham | Thora Birch |
| Ricky Fitts | Wes Bentley |
| Angela Hayes | Mena Suvari |
| Col. Frank Fitts, USMC | Chris Cooper |
| Buddy Kane | Peter Gallagher |
| Barbara Fitts | Allison Janney |
| Jim Olmeyer | Scott Bakula |
| Jim Berkley | Sam Robards |
| Brad Dupree | Barry Del Sherman |
| Sale House Woman #1 | Ara Celi |
| Sale House Man #1 | John Cho |
| Sale House Man #2 | Fort Atkinson |
| Sale House Woman #2 | Sue Casey |
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Posted in: 1999, Drama, High IMDB rating
Tagged: abusive parent, adulterous wife, advertising, alienation, american dream, anti hero, asparagus, barely legal, basketball, bathtub scene, beauty, black comedy, blackmail, blockbuster, blood splatter, broken dish, camera, cannabis, cheerleader, cheerleading, closeted homosexual, cocktail party, couch, crush, cubicle, dance, dark comedy, death, deceit, depression, domestic violence, domineering father, drug dealer, drug dealing, drug humor, drug testing, drugs, dv camera, dysfunctional family, estranged couple, extramarital affair, face slap, family conflict, family dinner, family dysfunction, family relationship, fantasy sequence, fast food restaurant, father daughter relationship, father son conflict, father son relationship, firing range, flashback sequence, flirting, friendship, garage, gardening, gay kiss, gay slur, gun, gun collecting, hate, high school, homophobia, homosexual, humanity, infidelity, job interview, jogging, kissing, lolita, loss of husband, love, lying, magazine, male nudity, marijuana, masturbation scene, materialism, midlife crisis, military officer, model, motel, mother daughter relationship, moving, murder, murder by gunshot, narration from the grave, nazi paraphernalia, neighbor, new automobile, nihilism, nudity, obscene finger gesture, only child, parenthood, plastic bag, premarital sex, quitting job, rainstorm, real estate agent, realtor, remote controlled toy car, repressed homosexual, restaurant drive through, rose, satire, self discovery, self hatred, sex, shot in the head, shower, shower scene, singing in car, slow motion, social satire, society, spit take, sports car, suburb, suburbia, swimming pool, teen, teen romance, teenage girl, teenager, told in flashback, topless, tragedy, tragicomedy, twist in the end, unhappy marriage, unwanted kiss, urine sample, video camera, video footage, videotape, violence, voyeur, voyeurism, vulgarity, weight training, writer
34 Comments
It kept my interest, but I did’t care for it.
pretentious
this bland and tedious look at suburbia substitutes cynicism for intelligence. It lacks insight and is totally self-important.
Mena Suvari’s freakishly large forehead is also distracting.
Good character study, good acting. Not everybody is this f’ed up though, I hope.
I did look closer, and I liked what I saw
Comedy and drama have always been favorite genres of mine, especially when they’re together–I laughed hysterically during the dinner table scene in "American Beauty," but also absorbed the important issues this movie delicately deals with. While I hesitate to praise the movie’s director (how hard is it when you have Annette Bening and Kevin Spacey as your leads?) and cinematography (more like point-and-shoot), I will be the first to celebrate the acting (they deserved to win Best Actor and Best Actress) and screenplay (what quick-witted dialogue!) that are the backbone of "American Beauty." There’s some symbolism in the film (which I always enjoy), and the format of the movie is enough to go ecstatic over (narration from a dead guy? how cool!). It wasn’t altogether deserving of its Best Picture win in 1999 (that honor should’ve gone to "The Sixth Sense"), but it was an enjoyable moviegoing experience nevertheless.
Wow, excellent movie
Doesn’t actually say anything interesting, but decently done
Worth seeing
Plot: 7
Originality: 6
Visuals: 8
Acting: 8
Overall: 7.25
See it for the message, but don’t believe the hype. I hate Spacey.
One of the Greatest Movies I have ever seen in my entire life.
This dark drama is riviting. Every character is filled with depth and are not cardboard cutouts. The dysfunctional family is a suburban neighberhood may sound sord of cliche but the story is so well writen. The movie is basicaly three different stories that culminate at the end with an unexpecting turn. After watching the movie you come to realize that the entire story was told from a dead guy. It is really riviting to see Kevin Spacey in a role that was fit exactly for him. Annete Benning is truly amazing and deserved the Oscar. No real words to describe this movie.
A great dysfunctional family movie that’s both comedy and drama.
Funny movie, if you try not to think about the screwy stuff that happens
It was a disturbing and sick movie, but there certainly there are people like this and there are people who are NOT like this. It’s all combined in one story and makes you think about society and what is lacking in people’s lives. Kevin Spacey’s character decides to challenge his life and do the opposite of what will make him happy, but then seems to find happiness and value until…
there are many funny ironic scenes in the movie.
I liked this movie untilllll…
I really didn’t mind this movie until everyone wasy saying how it mirrors society and today’s family. Last I checked I didn’t know anyone nuts who likes to video tape bags, girls who run off to NY with the psycho neighbor, and closet-murdering homosexuals, or fathers who like to sleep with their daughters’ friends. Now i admit i am not representative of the entire population here, but gimme a break!!! BUT not a bad movie before all the analysis
Astonishing! No doubt, a cinematic masterpiece! Truly, a rare sight!
Surely, there isn’t enough that could be said about this movie. More than words can comprehend, ‘American Beauty’ is astonishing! Truly, it is a rare sight that many won’t want to miss. Though it is not a movie for everyone, those who take little offense to creepy, disturbing depictions of sexual innuendo and dysfunctional family life will see that they have a real movie treat in store for them. Fans of actor Kevin Spacey will definitely not want to pass this one up. He gives the knock-out performance of his career in this movie as Lester Burnham, a middle-aged family man who mutates from an every-day loser to a changed man having the time of his life. ‘American Beauty’ also includes in it other terrific performances from all-star talents such as Annette Benning, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari (American Pie, Loser), Peter Gallagher, and new-commer Wes Bentley. In addition to top-notch acting, the movie has a great storyline to it with sharp and witty dialogue that’ll have you rolling on the ground with laughter and just begging for more. Overall, the movie has a feel to it that is both hilarious and melodramatic. In other words, its a great feel good movie. So whether you’re someone who straight-up loves touchy, feely dramas or someone who simply craves a good laugh, this movie is just the thing either person needs to see. I promise you’ll love it.
It was not what I expected. Just watch it. Its pretty good.
Artsy and edgy with the camera/cinematograpy..yes,vivid,bright and dark in all the right places but….yet without the compulsary nudity could have been shown on network TV
Nothing else can defind beauty, more than this true real and creativ movie!!
I can’t describe beauty in a better way, this movie took the most simple things in life and made them the most important and beautiful to human people. family, friends, love, hate - all are praticaly in our lives but we never thought about the beauty of all! I can’t think of a movie that was more special or touching than this one. I think it should be put in Film classes - because it is a perfect example for a perfect movie in every way there is in filmimg: Script, actors, prodocer, director, potographing and so..
underscripted, overacted, melodramatic, deliberately sleazy, cheap & vulgar
beautifully filmed and wonderfully written
wow .. i’m still amazed by this movie. freaky and thought provoking
i had no idea what to expect from this movie but i was very surprized. i don’t think it’s the kind of movie where you can say "i love this movie" because it’s so dark and twisted and yet some of the characters you can’t help but like. i can totally understand why it’s winning so many awards. it’s not like other movies out there (which gives it extra points) and it looks at average american life in such a different light than you usually see. it is hard to watch, sometimes, but .. wow.
This movie had everything. Entertaining, insightful and responsible
Carries an essential reflexion on life and delivers it with perfection
One man’s journey for Identity.
American Beauty flows in such a natural manner, it’s no wonder it has captured the attention of many critics. Without much introduction - it is mainly about a man’s struggle with mid-life crisis and the events that either result from it or cause it. He is the typical family man who realizes his life is going down hill and not even his family will support him.
The main character, played wonderfully by Kevin Spacey, finds out he is captivated and in love with his daughter’s new friend. A blonde who flaunts herself and brags about her newly found escapades. He also finds out his daughter hates him and his wife is having an affair. This all results in his journey to change who he is, rather than live up to what he thought everyone expected him to be.
He eventually quits his job (in a very funny scene) and applies for a position at the local fast food chain. They do hire him, but tell him he is over-qualified. When in fact he does not care and just wants to create a new identity for himself.
Through a series of thoughts and intriguing dialogue, this man is explaining his own death and the events that led to it. Combining elements of family, emotion, and mystery - American Beauty is no doubt a complex movie that remains with a message : Life is short. Do something with yourself and for yourself. Don’t make yourself who others think you are, instead form your life and mold it.
Best film of 1999
…with "Malkovich" a close second.
It’s a shame that it wasn’t included in the Best Picture category with
"American Beauty."
However, they are both entered for Original Screenplay. "Malkovich" for Best Original Screenplay and "American Beauty" for best film.
great acting, and dark, but with humor, virtuous concepts
a great film with outstanding humor that hits close to home….
very refreshing to see such a nonchalant dark comedy. it helps when you cast the best actor on screen now a days (Spacey).
A critical look at the American Dream. Worth the trip to the movie theater.
It’s Blue Velvet with a softer edge - atleast the subject matter. Plus, you can’t deny the similarities in imagery - white fence, red roses.
However, I would have to say that American Beauty caters to a larger audience than Blue Velvet or Happiness, which also deals with the "darker side" of suburban life.
As for the movie itself, I thought the acting was really good (especially Spacey and Benning). The only problem I had was with the daughter. She never really had anything to say and wasn’t too hot at acting.
AM is daring for the average movie-goer, but still gives him that warm feeling in the end.
disturbing, thought provoking, revealing, we love keven spacey!
i did not know what to expect in this film. but i am a kevin spacey fan, and
it was reviewed well so i went. it is both an uplifting, sad and disturbing film
i believe. kevin’s character finally wakes up from the ‘keeping up with the
jones and work like a robot coma’ as his wife continues to persue the american dream and he their daughter’s friend. some interesting dream sequences and plot twists.
Great movie. A dark comedy about family crises.
Juicy and funny with a great performance by Spacey
I was suprised by how much I liked American Beauty after all the buildup. It’s actually just clever and funny and unique enough to live up to its own hype.
Kevin Spacey gives a great performance, definitely one of his best. He gets to act out and ham it up a little, off-Broadway style, but he never lets the character run out of control. By the time the movie sommersaults to its finale, his character’s taken a spiritual rollercoaster ride from pathetic drone to manic midlife crisis psycho to poignant suburban Zen-master, and you’re stoked you got to go along every step of the way.
One sour note — Annette Benning’s character, while amusing, is a completely one trick pony. There’s no growth, no change, and no real indication of why anyone would want to spend any time with her at all…well, except for maybe her remarkably well-toned legs.
Make that two-note then.
Definitely a good watch…
Kevin Spacey was definitely the reason this film was worth seeing. He carried the movie on his back, outside of the semi-naked teens. Interesting plot twists kept this one alive.
Believe the hype.
Hilarious… Artsy — didn’t do much else for me.
Believe the hype.
Hilarious… Artsy — didn’t do much else for me.