1 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life"

With the film's release came huge critical acclaim with the awards being handed out left, right and centre. Guthmann (sfgate.com) neatly summarizes the view from the press about this film: American Beauty is a wonder of a film - a luminous, beautifully executed drama that gathers the best cast of 1999 and marks a sensational screen debut for Sam Mendes'. Not only was the story itself brilliant but the film showcased some of the best Hollywood acting I have seen.

CONCLUSION: "Smile! You're at Mr Smiley's!"

Even with my film critic hat on I cannot find anything to dislike about this incredible piece of cinema. It is a tale essentially about seeing past the superficiality of modern lifestyles into the beauty of life. It exposes how people put up fronts, shows for others to judge them by. Angela constantly brags about her sexual escapades but eventually reveals she is a virgin. Colonel Fitts is a violent homophobe and yet he confusedly tries to kiss Lester. Carolyn self-righteously condemns Lester's wild behaviour while actually having an affair.
However, when Lester is killed he says:

"I guess I could be pretty pissed off about what happened to me... but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world"

All in all Guthmann (sfgate.com) summarizes my thoughts: American Beauty is a great, tremendously entertaining experience. I only wish there were more films this satisfying'.

REFERENCES

http://w ww.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Movies/9909 /17/review.americanbeauty/
http ://www.plume-noire.com/movies/ reviews/america.html
http://www .celebritywonder.com/movie/199 9_American_Beauty.html
http://w ww.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article. cgi?file=/c/a/2000/05/12/DD805 77.DTL&type=printable

Learn more about this author, Helen Abbott.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: American Beauty?
We want to hear your view. Write now!