Thursday, August 26, 2010

American Beauty Is A Movie To See

By Tasha Russell

One of the best films in the last twenty years was American Beauty. This emotionally charged drama won 5 Oscars in 2000. The big star Kevin Spacey also won an Oscar for his starring role.

The story line is about a family in turmoil with everyone struggling with who they are. It is a small family consisting of a couple and their lone child, a teenage daughter. The movie chronicles their battles with each other and themselves.

Lester and Carolyn Burnham and their teenage daughter are finding themselves at odds with each other. Lester (Kevin Spacey) is fed up with work and looking for more in life. His life feels empty and he is going into a mid-life crisis.

His wife Carolyn is all about the money. She acts like a bitch, and is always disapproving of both Lester and their daughter Jane. She is also having an affair with a married man who is a real estate agent like she is also.

Jane, their daughter, is rebelling from the fighting couple and trying to "find herself". Her best friend is a high school hottie who everyone is after, but Jane feels unsure of herself. Even her dad has the hots for her best friend.

Lester finally starts to unravel. He quits his job, starts smoking pot, gets a job at a fast food restaurant, and starts to live life for himself. He quits taking crap from his wife. He fantasizes

Jane finds a boyfriend in the new kid next door, Ricky. Ricky is a strange kid with a tough family life himself. His father is a closet homosexual with a strict military background. This has left his mother as a dominated shell of a woman. Ricky sells pot, and becomes Lester's supplier and friend.

All these issues blend into an intriguing and interesting story with a stunning ending. I won't tell you any more so you can enjoy the movie fully. Don't miss out on this classic film.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment