Simple truths become the most stark revelations of 'American Beauty'. An excruciatingly thought-provoking satire of the failings of the American dream, this is an exquisitely stylish film.
Spacey revels in the lead role of Lester Burnham, an everyman of sterile middle-class suburbia, dissatisfied with the current malaise of his life, who experiences an epiphany after catching sight of a nubile young friend of his daughter's, and sets out to reclaim the exuberance of his youth. Bening portrays his Stepford-esque wife Carolyn, who cannot see beyond outward appearances and the values of US consumer society, and whose relationship with Lester could at best be described as distant. Both Thora Birch and Mena Suvari put in stellar performances as teenagers treading the thorny paths of their own adolescence - and yet managing to avoid the cliches that spring to mind when one reads such a description of their roles.
Neither do the Burnhams' equally troubled neighbours disappoint. The drug-dealing, voyeuristic eighteen year-old Ricky Fitts is one of the most touching characters to appear in American cinema for a long time. Though several audible murmurs in the audience professed Ricky to be merely 'creepy', Wes Bentley shows him to be wildly perceptive, and able to appreciate the beauty that is all around him - hidden beneath the most mundane of things. His delivery of "Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world I feel like I can't take it...and my heart is going to cave in" was breathtaking. Though Oscar nominations seem a given for Best Picture and Best Actor for Spacey, I really hope Bentley receives the recognition he deserves: though he will be most likely overlooked when nominations are being handed out, his performance more than warrants consideration for Best Supporting Actor.
This is the feature debut for acclaimed British theatre director Sam Mendes, and 'Beauty' reflects this background, with a strong emphasis placed on the visual aspects of the film. Mendes and cinematographer Conrad L. Hall employ the rose motif to great effect: the titular "American Beauty" rose symbolises both superficial beauty, and helps to reinforce Lester's often surreal fantasies of the virginal Angela.
Many will find 'Beauty' hard to stomach. Its apparent advocation of pot-smoking, nudity of minors, frank dealings with Lester's infatuation with a young girl and his subsequent rebellion will turn many movie-goers away. And therein lies the true beauty of this film. Its examination of all these issues forces us to 'look closer', serving to make us feel both uncomfortable at the parallels with our own lives, and to realise the beauty of the naked truths that exist behind false exteriors. That we feel a curious delight as Lester triumphs, and yet disturbance at such an irreverent quasi-hero is all part of its appeal. Encompassing outstanding acting by all the cast, flawless dialogue, and originality that has been sadly lacking in so many Hollywood productions, this is not to be missed.
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