AN EXCLAMATION POINT

American Beauty (Dreamworks) is an exceptional film. That point is hardly
debatable. The acting, photography, direction, soundtrack, score, humor,
and ever-building drama all combine to make this film stand out against the
competition. But what is it that makes this film a truly unforgettable
cinematic experience? It is the screenplay, that penetrating,
character-driven screenplay, that surely makes American Beauty one of the
best (if not the best) films this year.

American Beauty is a satirical pilgrimage to a “typical” household in
suburban America. Here, we find the Burnhams, a family victimized by the
so-called American dream. The Burnhams’ pursuit of money and career have
resulted in a monotonous existence. They go about their daily routine with
synthetic smiles and manufactured emotions. They no longer communicate.
They no longer love.

Kevin Spacey plays Lester Burnham, a burned-out husband who is struggling
with his passionless marriage and his pointless vocation. Annette Bening
plays Carolyn, Lester’s obsessive, career-driven wife. Carolyn is a real
estate agent who hides behind the facade of the woman who “has it all.”
Thora Birch plays Jane, the Burnhams’ insecure daughter. Jane is struggling
to find meaning in her life in spite of her pathetic parents.

The Burnhams’ squandered existence begins to change dramatically when
Lester has a mid-life crisis. (Some might call it an awakening, a moment of
truth, or a nervous breakdown.) Lester falls head over heels in love with
Angela (Mena Suvari), his daughter’s high school friend. This nauseating
infatuation leads Lester into a state of regression, and he quickly becomes
the high school boy he once was. He fries hamburgers at a local fast food
joint, listens to Pink Floyd, smokes pot with his daughter’s boyfriend,
pumps iron like a madman, and begins telling his wife what he truly thinks
about their lives.

Things only get darker from here. Lester’s awakening soon affects his wife
and daughter, and Carolyn begins her own downfall. Rather than facing up to
her problems, Carolyn spends her free time at the gun range and in the arms
of another man. Jane begins spending time with a bizarre voyeuristic
neighbor (Wes Bentley) who sells drugs for a living and is abused by his
father (Chris Cooper).

Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening are both incredible in the starring roles.
From scene to scene, it is difficult to say who is better. Whenever I felt
as though Spacey’s performance could not be beat, Bening would convince me
otherwise. And vice versa. Both performances are Oscar-worthy. Chris
Cooper is also quite strong.

At times, American Beauty is extremely raunchy. The sexually-charged
subject matter, snippets of nudity, and strong language may be offensive to
many of you. Be advised. This is an adult film with adult themes. The
filmmakers were not afraid to color outside the lines.

Yet sometimes, in order to experience true transformation, we must explore
the dark side of human nature. American Beauty takes us to this dark side
full throttle, and the end result is simultaneously funny, poignant,
disturbing, and sad. While you might not agree with all of its observations
about life, you must see this film for what it is: a black comedy about
saving ourselves from what we have become. As such, American Beauty is a
timely exclamation point to the end of a wondrous decade, century, and
millennium.

RATING A ©1999. Jim Chastain II