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American Beauty
1999
AMERICAN BEAUTY tells the story of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a suburban father who snaps when he becomes disgusted with his stale, repetitive existence. Burnham lets us know in voice-over from the film's opening that this is the day he dies (using the SUNSET BOULEVARD flashback approach), a technique that adds an .. Read more
| Starring | Kevin Spacey, Sam Roberts, Annette Bening, Wes Bentley |
|---|---|
| Director | Sam Mendes |
| Genres | Drama |
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American Beauty
AMERICAN BEAUTY tells the story of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a suburban father who snaps when he becomes disgusted with his stale, repetitive existence. Burnham lets us know in voice-over from the film's opening that this is the day he dies (using the SUNSET BOULEVARD flashback approach), a technique that adds an inevitable tension to the proceedings and keeps the story moving forward at all times. On a whim, Lester quits his job and begins a regression into young adulthood, lifting weights, smoking pot, doing nothing, and discovering the overflowing sexuality of his 16-year-old daughter's best friend, Angela (Mena Suvari). His wife, Carolyn (Annette Bening), has her own midlife crisis of sorts. A real estate agent, she experiences a youthful awakening when super-agent Buddy Kane (Peter Gallagher) seduces her repeatedly. Meanwhile, Jane (Thora Birch), the Burnhams' daughter, is pursued by Ricky (Wes Bentley), the mysterious boy next door who carries a video camera around with him at all times. When Ricky's militaristic father, Colonel Fitts (Chris Cooper), discovers something potentially horrifying on one of his tapes, and when Carolyn's rage for Lester's actions boils over, the time bomb finally explodes.
| Starring | Kevin Spacey, Sam Roberts, Annette Bening, Wes Bentley, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, Allison Janney, Peter Gallagher, Chris Cooper, Scott Bakula |
|---|---|
| Director | Sam Mendes |
| Studio | DREAMWORKS HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 57 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Collections | 100 must-see movies |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 27 Nov 2000 Production year: 1999 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (7)
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Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet star as a married couple, who proudly declare their independence from the suburban inertia and are determined not to be trapped by the social confines of the 50s. But gradually they become what they didn't expect. read more »
- LOVEFiLM
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Most helpful member's review
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43 out of 49 people found this review helpful
She is a beauty by the way!
I've always been a fan of movies that stand out from the norm and leave the audience sitting, somewhat stunned, when the credits begin to roll. This movie fit my criteria perfectly. The acting is simply amazing, with some inspired casting, especially the remarkable Kevin Spacey. This movie might have just been put aside if any old person was thrown into each role, but the actors chosen, bring out the fascinating characters the screenwriter penned and the director envisioned.
It's a somewhat serious film, but it's also a black comedy. The more I watch it, the funnier it becomes. I eagerly anticipate the heavier, darker scenes that still put a weight on my chest. This movie may not be a winner with everyone, but if it draws your attention, it's got you caught. Enjoy. -
Most recent members' review
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5 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Well worth watching
After wanting to watch American Beauty since the first day it was released I never got round to it till now, and I’m glad I did! I absolutely loved it, not what I was expecting, Kevin Spacey is a great actor in any movie, but I would say it was his best performance (so far) in this one.
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News and features
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WIN! Series One of True Blood on Blu-ray
- 04 Nov 2009
What better way to celebrate some seriously sexy blood sucking than giving away True Blood: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray ? LOVEFiLM has, not one, but three box-sets of this award winning hit television show, ready for the staking! From the creator of Six Feet Under and the Academy Award winning writer of American Beauty (Alan Ball) True Blood features an all-star cast of Academy Award winning Anna Paquin (The Piano, X-Men), British actor Stephen Moyer (NY-LON), Alexander Skarsgard (Gene Read more
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American Beauty
AMERICAN BEAUTY tells the story of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a suburban father who snaps when he becomes disgusted with his stale, repetitive existence. Burnham lets us know in voice-over from the film's opening that this is the day he dies (using the SUNSET BOULEVARD flashback approach), a ...
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