Notebook Reviews: AMERICAN BEAUTY

Sam Mendes – 1999

Sam Mendes’ American Beauty is a film which improves with each viewing. The satire has a great Academy Award winning performance from Kevin Spacey at the centre of it  (edit: are we allowed to still say that?). The supporting cast is also strong – Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Suvari and Peter Gallagher. 

Admittedly American Beauty meanders at times, but over-all it works as a satirical look at the US middle-class. The film has assured direction from Sam Mendes and an strong sense of tone. However, this is Spacey’s movie and he really makes it shine.