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American Beauty
1999 122 min United States of America R 16+
★8.8
Drama
Director: Sam Mendes
Trailers
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Description
Lester Burnham, a depressed suburban father in a mid-life crisis, decides to turn his hectic life around after developing an infatuation with his daughter's attractive friend.
Budget:
$15M
US Gross:
$130.1M
Worldwide:
$356.3M
Starring
Kevin Spacey
Actor
Annette Bening
Actor
Thora Birch
Actor
Awards
BAFTA 2000
— Best Film Editing
BAFTA 2000
— Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Director
BAFTA 2000
— Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Director
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Cinematography
BAFTA 2000
— Best Actor
BAFTA 2000
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
BAFTA 2000
— Best Production Design
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2000
— Best Picture
BAFTA 2000
— Best Original Screenplay
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 2000
— Best Actress
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2000
— Best Actress
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Actress (Drama)
BAFTA 2000
— Best Cinematography
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2000
— Best Cast Ensemble
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Original Score
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Picture (Drama)
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Director
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Picture
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Film Editing
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Actor (Drama)
César Awards 2001
— Best International Feature Film
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Actress
BAFTA 2000
— Best Picture
BAFTA 2000
— Best Supporting Actress
BAFTA 2000
— David Lean Award for Direction
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2000
— Best Actor
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2000
— Best Supporting Actor
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2000
— Breakthrough of the Year
European Film Awards 1999
— Screen International Award
Key opinion
American Beauty is widely acclaimed as a meticulously crafted, thought-provoking examination of the American suburban facade and the search for authentic meaning. While some viewers express discomfort regarding specific character dynamics, the film is largely celebrated for its precise direction, strong ensemble performances, and profound visual symbolism.
| Cinematography | The cinematography utilizes precise, painting-like compositions and symbolic motifs, such as the plastic bag and rose, to elevate the visual storytelling. | |
| Acting | The ensemble cast delivers powerful, deeply layered performances that effectively portray characters trapped by societal expectations and internal psychological conflicts. | |
| Screenplay | Alan Ball's screenplay offers a compelling, structurally tight narrative that successfully balances dark humor with dramatic emotional weight. | |
| Direction | Sam Mendes' direction demonstrates a masterful, understated command over tone, seamlessly guiding the audience through the film's shift from domestic satire to tragedy. | |
| Acting | Opinions on Kevin Spacey’s performance are divided; while many praise his technical mastery and ability to anchor the film, others find the character’s predatory subtext and implications disturbing. |