American Beauty

On a first viewing, it is an original film experience that delivers a probe into the American middle class presented in an unconventional and unique way. However, I believe that with each subsequent viewing, the viewer's satisfaction is slightly undermined, and the resulting product seems weaker and weaker. Sam Mendes has a sensitive and diligent direction, emphasizing details, and the screenplay is excellently developed, especially when it comes to the characters. Nevertheless, the whole thing seems too polished and meticulously arranged to me. It's as if with this film, Mendes wanted to say “I am a true artist, look at me.” (13/11/2005)

Unique film that relies on absolutely captivating performances, as well as on a great screenplay and excellent direction. Kevin Spacey guides you through small-town life and its façade is torn off like a bandage, revealing the rotten tissue underneath. And yet, it is still entertaining, emotional, and you will be on the edge of your seat. And then there's Mena... (04/04/2016)

I've seen this film many times (and probably will many more times :)), however I'm only writing this review now. The reason is the same as with The Dark Knight (I understand that this "comparison" may seem a bit bizarre at first glance.)) – I consider American Beauty to be a perfect film that I love because of one rather significant thing, and that is that those less than two hours of storytelling by Sam Mendes and Alan Ball absolutely got me and got to me. Mendes' directorial skill is evident from the very first minutes as he gradually introduces the viewer to that advertisement for a happy marriage, and also to the fact that many things in human life are one big absurdity that will one day come to an equally absurd end... I really don't know what to single out first – Kevin Spacey's acting, Alan Ball's brilliant screenplay and Sam Mendes' equally brilliant direction, Thomas Newman's beautiful score, or the performances of the other actors involved. American Beauty is a wonderful film, even if it is actually a rather scathing critique of America itself. :) (30/10/2010)

Along with Fight Club, this is my most personal film. While Fight Club flows mainly in terms of thought-provoking ideas, American Beauty scores with its emotions. The first time I saw it in my freshman year of high school, it hit me hard for weeks, something that also happened every other time I watched it. It has a slightly different effect on me nowadays. It no longer attacks the basic feelings of excessive affiliation with the characters (which may change when I’m forty), but as a perfect portrait of people who decided to defy convention, it still entertains me and still stirs emotions within me. There’s no point in bringing up the well-known names (Spacey, Conrad L. Hall, Mendes), but I will add the neglected (Cooper, the great game with the light at night) and add that this is one of the absolute "best films" I have ever seen. (03/09/2009)

The film that made Steven Spielberg cry. Mendes's sure-footed, inventive direction, a clever screenplay beating mercilessly at the hypocritical morals and warped relationships of the average American family, and phenomenal performances, including the supporting roles (the excellent Chris Cooper!!) made this unassuming film a well-deserved cinematic event of the year. The emotional ending only underscores the extraordinary and profound experience. When my friend and I walked home from the cinema, we hardly spoke a word, how deeply we were moved. MUST SEE! (03/09/2002)