American Beauty (1999) - Critical Reviews

Synopsis

After his death sometime in his 43rd year, suburbanite Lester Burnham tells of the last few weeks of his life, during which he had no idea of his imminent passing. He is a husband to real estate agent Carolyn Burnham and father to high school student Jane Burnham. Although Lester and Carolyn once loved each other, they now merely tolerate each other. Typical wallflower Jane also hates both her parents; the three suffer individually in silence in their home life. Jane tries to steer clear of both her parents. Carolyn, relatively new to the real estate business, wants to create the persona of success to further her career, aspiring to the professional life of Buddy Kane, the king of the real estate business in their neighborhood. Lester merely walks mindlessly through life, including at his job in advertising. His company is downsizing, and he, like all the other employees, has to justify his position to the newly hired efficiency expert to keep his job. Things change for Lester when he falls in love at first sight with Jane's more experienced classmate, Angela Hayes. Both Janie and Angela can see Lester's sexual infatuation with Angela, who courts such attention from any man as a sign that she is model material, she having once appeared in Seventeen and is a career to which she aspires. Lester's infatuation with Angela gives him a reenergized view on life, where he openly doesn't care anymore what anyone thinks about what he does, anyone except Angela. This infatuation coincides with the Fittses moving in next door: homophobic disciplinarian US Marine Colonel Frank Fitts who rules the house with a military fist (that fist being both figurative and literal), his semi-comatose wife Barbara Fitts, and their bright and quietly subversive 18-year-old son Ricky Fitts, who openly abides by his father's rules while behind the scenes lives by his own quite different perspective. Much like Lester's infatuation, Ricky immediately becomes infatuated with Jane; he considers girls like Angela as ordinary. The entry of Angela and the Fittses into the Burnhams' lives ultimately leads to each of the players confronting what is truly in his or her heart.

Critical Acclaim

When American Beauty premiered in 1999, it garnered widespread critical acclaim and quickly became a cultural touchstone. Critics praised Sam Mendes's directorial debut for its poignant exploration of suburban malaise and its sharp, satirical script penned by Alan Ball. The film's performances, particularly Kevin Spacey's portrayal of Lester Burnham, were lauded for their depth and complexity. The Los Angeles Times' Kenneth Turan described the film as "a triumph," highlighting its seamless blend of humor and pathos, while Janet Maslin of The New York Times commended it for "brilliantly capturing the ennui of the American Dream."

Roger Ebert awarded American Beauty four stars, noting its "complete command of its material" and "insightful analysis of modern life." The film has maintained its critical standing, holding an impressive 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its continued relevance and impact. While some modern critics have revisited the film with a more critical eye, examining its themes through contemporary lenses, it remains a staple of late-20th-century cinema for its bold storytelling and visual artistry.

The film's critical success was complemented by numerous accolades, including five Academy Awards, such as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Spacey. Its influence extends beyond awards, as it sparked discussions on suburban disillusionment and identity that continue to resonate. American Beauty has been included in the American Film Institute's "100 Years...100 Movies" list, solidifying its status as a seminal film that captured the zeitgeist of its era while offering timeless insights into human nature.