FemaleFirst.co.uk: DVD: American Beauty [DVD] [2000]

American Beauty [DVD] [2000]
enlarge	Director: Sam Mendes Actors: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Suvari Studio: Dreamworks Home Entertainment Category: DVD List Price: ~~£19.99~~ Buy Used: £1.95 as of 21/11/2009 22:59 GMT details You Save: £18.04 (90%) New (24) Used (36) Collectible (2) from £1.95 Seller: zord25 Rating: 133 reviews Sales Rank: 1417 Format: Anamorphic, PAL Languages: English (Original Language), Swedish (Subtitled), Finnish (Subtitled), Danish (Subtitled), Dutch (Subtitled) Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over Region: 2 Discs: 1 Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 DVD Layers: 2 DVD Sides: 1 Number Of Discs: 1 Running Time: 117 Minutes Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2 Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 UPC: 678149096026 EAN: 0678149096026 ASIN: B0000558PI Theatrical Release Date: October 1, 1999 Release Date: November 27, 2000 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days


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Editorial Reviews: Amazon.co.uk Review From its first gliding aerial shot of a generic suburban street, IAmerican Beauty/I moves with a mesmerising confidence and acuity epitomised by Kevin Spacey's calm narration. Spacey is Lester Burnham, a harried Everyman whose midlife awakening is the spine of the story, and his very first lines hook us with their teasing fatalism--like ISunset Boulevard/I's Joe Gillis, Burnham tells us his story from beyond the grave. It's an audacious start for a film that justifies that audacity. Weaving social satire, domestic tragedy and whodunit into a single package, Alan Ball's first theatrical script dares to blur generic lines and keep us off balance, winking seamlessly from dark, scabrous comedy to deeply moving drama. The Burnham family joins the cinematic short-list of great dysfunctional American families, as Lester is pitted against his manic, materialistic realtor wife, Carolyn (Annette Bening, making the most of a mostly unsympathetic role) and his sullen, contemptuous teenaged daughter, Jane (Thora Birch, utterly convincing in her edgy balance of self-absorption and wistful longing). Into their lives come two catalytic outsiders. A young cheerleader (Mena Suvari) jolts Lester into a sexual epiphany that blooms into a second adolescence. And an eerily calm young neighbour (Wes Bentley) transforms both Lester and Jane with his canny influence. Credit another big-screen newcomer, English theatrical director Sam Mendes, with expertly juggling these potentially disjunctive elements into a superb ensemble piece that achieves a stylised pace without lapsing into transparent self-indulgence. Mendes has shrewdly insured his success with a solid crew of stage veterans, yet he has also made an inspired discovery in Bentley, whose Ricky Fitts becomes a fulcrum for both plot and theme. Cinematographer Conrad Hall's sumptuous visual design further elevates the film, infusing the beige interiors of the Burnhams' lives with vivid bursts of deep crimson, the colour of roses--and of blood. --ISam Sutherland/I

Customer Reviews: Showing reviews 1-5 of 133 1 2 3 4 5 6 ...27 Next » A beautifully crafted masterpiece December 13, 2001 26 out of 27 found this review helpful If you are the type of person who appreciates every minute of your life, then you may just enjoy this film to its fullest potential. If you are the type of person who doesn't appreciate every minute of your life or the people around you, then you may just need to see this film, and learn to appreciate its full potential.pAmerican Beauty is the amazing directorial debut of theater man Sam Mendes. Penned by TV writer Alan Ball, the script may feel like a sitcomish satire of suburban hell at first, but beyond the laughs lurks a fascinating exploration of people trying to convince themselves they're not as miserable as they really are. It's also somehow a tragedy, as we're told right off that fatality will strike. Mendes makes great use of the possibilities of cinema. His film is always interesting and inventive visually, in an almost impressionistic way. Among other things, he makes very interesting use of American beauties, a variety of red roses that the wife cultivates and which Lester links to his fantasies. I also love the score by Thomas Newman, who should have one an Oscar, and the cast is as good as it gets. Annette Bening is convincing as always as an apparently successful career woman whose facade is shattering, and like Peter Gallagher's, her character is a bit caricatural but still effective. Thora Birch is perfect as her confused daughter, and so is Mena Suvari as her babe girlfriend. Suvari (who was one of the best things in American Pie) is highly desirable at first, then she starts talking and gets obnoxious, but eventually you get to really know her character and she's just another sad kid. This is a surprising performance and so is the one delivered by Wes Bentley, who's got solid screen presence and charisma as Ricky. He's able to really grab your attention and toy with your expectations, maybe disturb you a little but ultimately impress you with his focused mind.pLast but not least is Kevin Spacey, who really deserved his Oscar for his astonishing portrayal of a man who spins his life around. It's just so exhilarating to watch him gain confidence and retrieve hope in life. Spacey has done great work in the past, but this might be the role that he'll be remembered for. He goes through many different states of mind and behaviors in the film, yet Spacey makes it feel all natural. This is one of those performances that sticks with you and inspire you. I'm not sure I'd have the courage to follow Lester's footsteps, but I wish I had. And then there's Spacey's got nothing to lose attitude and return to an adolescent mind state which is hilarious! It's always fun to watch someone being a smartass and making uptight types speechless for once. I'm personally grateful to any picture that gives me a new respect towards life. American Beauty is one of my all-time favorite pictures. Check it out for yourself and see how you feel. It may just help you appreciate certain aspects of your life much better. "...And in a way, I am dead already." February 10, 2004 Michael Crane 18 out of 19 found this review helpful "American Beauty" is a pure cinematic triumph that is both funny and sad. It's disturbing... and yet, it's extremely provocative and deep. The film is an extraordinary achievement that reveals a tragic and realistic story about a family that is anything but ordinary. It's a film with so many layers that it is almost impossible to dissect them all in one single thought.pMeet Lester Burnham; a man who feels like he's completely dead inside. His wife and daughter despise him and do not show him any signs of respect. On the surface, the family seems like a picture-perfect family that everybody dreams about--but inside is a completely different matter. His wife is obsessed with material possessions and doesn't care for "petty" things like love or life, while his daughter resents herself because she isn't "perfect." Lester's mental coma is rudely interrupted when he meets his daughter's friend and starts fantasizing about her. The awakening might be due to a disturbing thought or feeling, but the wake-up call changes Lester and allows him to realize that there's always time to erase his "forced-image" and be the person he really is. This is all a set-up for a funny, disturbing and tragic movie.pI don't know about everybody else, but my mind was literally racing around when this movie was playing before my eyes. It's one of those films that allows you to pick up on something different upon each viewing. As I said in the beginning of the review, this film has a number of layers to it. There's so many different meanings and points to the film that it is nearly impossible to describe them all in one little review. Besides, the fun part of the movie is discovering these meanings and points for yourself. You know a film is successful when you totally lose yourself to it and allow it to challenge you in every way. The film is crafted flawlessly and doesn't have a wasted minute in it.pThe acting from Kevin Spacey is really a sight to see. He gives his character all of the right needs and feelings that is necessary for the authenticity of his role. You don't even look at him as an actor--but as the real person he portrays. It is certainly a milestone in his acting career that will continue to be remembered throughout all cinematic history. Annette Bening is also superb in her role and brings life to her character, as well. Everybody in the film should be applauded, as they all make the film what it is.p"American Beauty" is a breath-taking masterpiece with a very high replay value. It's a terrific film on every front and does not disappoint for a single second. While it's not a movie that everybody will like, it's most certainly one to check out if you are a lover of films. If you're looking for something that isn't so ordinary, then this may be the chance that you are seeking. I feel that it is a unique and superb film that is very hard to express in words--you'll just have to experience it for yourself. -Michael Crane Look closer. March 21, 2007 mat (Winchester) 13 out of 14 found this review helpful I decided to 'review' this film after reading the 1-starred reviews and other rants against American Beauty. Whilst there is obviously a degree of opinion involved in judging a film, I fail to see how anyone can rate this film to such a low extent. br / br /This is why American Beauty is probably one of the top 5 films you will ever see or know. br / br /It is real. Infact, it is so real, but you cannot help but relate to all the characters. "But I'm not a stressed worker, a mad wife, a grumpy teenager, and psycho who films paper bags or an ex-army bigoted patriot." OK, you're not, but 'look closer' and you will realise that you can relate to at least ONE trait from at least ONE character in the film. br / br /And finally, and most importantly of all; post-modernism. This is the best part about this incredible film. According to American Beauty, and indeed society, life is now post-modern. And this is what is so sad yet beautiful about this film. There is now past or future to relate to, because everything is the perpetual present. Lester desperately tries to recapture his youth but he can't. br / br /There is a loss of critical distance by Lester, and the semiotics have become more important than the car itself. He has just quit his job in order to live his life to the full, or in postmodern terms, reaching for the nostalgia to recreate his 'authentic' youth. He purchases a Cadillac car, and when his wife Carolyn points out that he is about to spill beer on her designer couch that has been "upholstered in Italian silk"; he retorts "It's just a couch!" What is interesting is that he cannot see that he himself has lost all critical distance, and is indeed himself part of a commodified culture due to his own purchase and does not realise the extent to which extent American culture has been characterised by commodification. The transaesthetics of Lester's nature (ie he doesn't realise / prefers the fake) that he himself is equally materialistic and part of the commodification process that he slammed his wife for in regard to her "italian silk" sofas) show that he cannot and will not be able to capture those moments he longs for again. br / br /The surbaban travesty continues, with Carolyn's obsession with materialism and social status simply magnify her empty personality and lack of 'real' life. Jane's depression and feeling of lack of individuality, desperately wanting to become a copy of a copy (by looking at breast enlargements). Mina Suvari's character of a Burbank girl obsessed with looks just adds to the sadness of the film. br / br /So with the above in mind, the numb factors hit you sideways. The paper-bag flowing in the wind? No, not some hippy manifestation, but a simple cold hard look at life and what priorities are. Paper-bag in wind vs. materialistic designer/celebrity handbags that belong to the residents of the Holmby Hills. The music simply quadrouples the effect, especially with Lester's thoughts at the end and Jane and her nextdoor neighbour walking home together. br / br /It is also a satire on modern-day obesseion with celebrity lifestyle, and is poking fun at the tall decaffe skinny latte stay at home moms. And for those people who don't get it? Look closer. br / Simply one of the greatest creative works ever made. February 25, 2001 5 out of 5 found this review helpful American Beauty represents a new standard in film-making. It has as much to do with pure philosophy as it does with characterisation, symbolism and development of plot. pThough we have seen this mildly with other recent films such as Fight Club and The Thin Red Line, American Beauty is the first to offer us a complete philosophy on the nature of life.pThis alone sounds very strong, yet it is accompanied by other unrivaled traits. You are unlikely to encounter another film where ALL of the central characters are so brilliantly developed, and in turn to show that we are all full of contrast. pThe acting is utterly flawless by all the main characters, with Kevin Spacey giving a performance that will be regarded as the jewel in the crown of his careerpAdd to this some of the best cinematography you will ever see by Hollywood veteran Conrad Hall and a masterpiece of a score by Thomas Newman, and you have possibly the best film in living memory. Philosophical, hilarious and shocking. May 2, 2002 10 out of 11 found this review helpful Just 4 words "The plastic bag scene"pIts amazing how a film can use the most basic and simple situation and create magic from it. No Star Wars massive CGI effects or bombastic Lord of the Rings stuff. This movie is about real people and the issues we all face everyday. Keeping up the social smiling mask and being a good dog and waggin our tail as we get increasingly uptight. This movie was stunning for me. Not usually the sort of thing i go for. But i'm so glad some friends dragged me along to watch it. There is a scene where the guy nextdoor is showing Spacey's daughter a home video he took of a plastic bag blowing around in the wind. This scene is heart melting. "Sometimes i see so much beauty in the world..i feel i cant take it.." gasps the teenager. Oh my god, i nearly started crying when he said that. You may think this film is an american typical comedy. But its infact a mystical/philosophical journey of modern life and its stupid masks we all wear because we feel we are supposed to. Comedy, fear, arguments, serious issues of abuse, and everything else you can imagine. A must see. Buy it now. Showing reviews 1-5 of 133 1 2 3 4 5 6 ...27 Next »

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