American Beauty
 

I just want to know if this movie is good. I'm only 14, but the ONLY movies I'm not allowed to watch are Pulp Fiction and American Beauty. I have been able to watch ANY movie i wanted except for these two. My sister has convinced my mom that these are trash, yet they are both highly acclaimed. So, tell me about it. Like I said, I used the search function, but I didn't find a thread about this.

i didnt find american beauty that good, infact i found it really strange. It is basically about a man (kevin spacey) who tries to turn his life around, but he also manages to turn everyone else's lives around at the same time.
it has got a sexual aspect to it but kevin spacey has been made to play a really strange character and he likes this girl that is so much younger than himself (mena suvari).
it also has a lot of swearing in it which kinda puts me off a bit.
hope this helps a bit
cazz
x

Ewww. Somebody should bitchslap your sister to the moon. NO! Take her even farther than the moon.

I love those movies. I'm guessing your sister doesn't like the middle aged man/teenage girl sexual relationship of American Beauty, as well as the homosexuality - which probably means she dislikes homosexuals. :sick:

TRASH? That's such a strong word. I imagine your sister and your mom doing dishes together - sister says "That American Beauty is TRASH! And so is that Pulp Fiction. Don't let little led zeppelin watch them later. That one has two guys KISSSSS-ING. And there's a gay rape scene in the Pulp Fiction. Lots of DRUGS too. TRASH TRASH TRASH!"

And then she does a trash dance and stays out all night with the neighborhood jamboree, shaking her hips in a long skirt.

lol, good stuff.

Both American Beauty and Pulp Fiction are in my top 10 films, along with a lot of other people, I would just watch them and make your own decision, but, the whole age thing might thwart any attempt you make to watch them...

Actually, she does not have anything against homosexuals, but if she doesn't like the movie, that I can't watch it cuz she corrupts my mom. Although I have seen Deliverance so the rape is nothing I haven't already see.

You're not allowed to watch Pulp Fiction?! Man, that sucks.

Oh well. :p

There isn't anything worse in American Beauty than there is in American Pie.

Yeah, and in American Beauty it is done with taste. Pulp Fiction and American Beauty are far and beyond 2 of my favorite movies ever...

Yeah, but mom doesn't care if I watch American Pie. Wierd huh?

Ask her to watch it with you.

That could work out well. But, it could also go wrong. It just depends on the person.

The Beauty...
 

When this first came out, I saw a commercial for the film and wrote it off as a cheesey teen film. My girlfriend a couple of our friends dragged me to it and I was blown away. I think everyone should watch this film from time to time to remember a couple of the points this film makes. Like one of my fav lines in the movie....

"This is not life, this is stuff!!!"

We all came out of American Beauty a little better off I think, and I believe many could get the same from this film.


Watch it, screw what Mom says....

(Do kids rebel any more these days?)

I could understand not letting you watch these movies, however, to let you watch others that are far worse, in terms of sex, violence, etc... and not let you see these must mean they either touched a personal nerve somewhere, or she has no idea what she is talking about. Not trying to say bad things about your mom , but get real. Also if your sister is out watching "trash" maybe she should not go to any R rated movies.

What a pathetic world it would be if they didn't.

Exactly what I said! She just ignored me. What a b**** (my sister, not my mom. My mom kicks butt for letting me watch some of the movies I did. Like, From Dusk till' Dawn.)

Thats a very good point that ive always suggested as well. American Beauty Is easily in my top 3 films. Its a funny, beautiful, philosophical and heart breaking tale of a sad man who just wants to be happy again. and in doing so he finds out so many things. Really makes me happy watching this film, i think i could go as far to say it changed my life, well at least my outlook on life. Its got so many points i think each and every one of us should consider.

"Sometimes i feel theres just so much beauty in the world, my heart will explode."

The actings excellant. The film looks excellant. And it definatly made me feel excellant.....hope it does you too :)

I'VE SEEN PULP FICTION AND AMERICAN BEAUTY! Only mom doesn't know that. American Beauty is a great movie. I bust out laughing when ever that real-estate guy is screwing Annete Benning or whatever, and says (or yells) "Do you like getting nailed by the king?!" What a stupid thing to say in bed! Anyway, Pulp Fiction is a great movie, but I still like Reservoir Dogs better. Best part in the movie is when Phil Lammar dies in the back of the car. WOA! Didn't see that coming! Bruce Willis w/ a samuri sword is awesome too. But that whole scene was a big rip-off (or homage) to Deliverance in my opinion.

American Beauty was excellent.

American Beauty
 

This has got to be one of the most powerful films i've ever seen. It's blend of comedy and drama is just brilliant and Kevin Spacey gives one of the best performances i've ever seen. Nothing I can say about it that hasn't already been said but sometimes there's just so much beauty in the world. What did you guys think of it.

Re: American Beauty
 

I don't understand when parents don't allow their children to watch violent/strong language/minimal sexual content films.Like a film will make their child more violent or disturbing.These things depend on nurturing.

Parents should use their own discretion when thinking about what films to let their children see. The reason for rating films by age is that there are some films that children might either not get or would find disturbing/upsetting.

American Beauty is an excellent movie and Pulp Fiction one of the best movies ever made. You will probably enjoy and appreciate these movies more when you are a little bit older.

Re: American Beauty
 

This film is a masterpiece. Saw this one earlier this year(i'm 17 yo) and I loved it. I think I'll love it even more as I grow older.

An excellent movie, one which caught my eye upon VHS release years ago.

I can definitely understand why, at age 14, you are not allowed to watch AMERICAN BEAUTY. This is not a film for children, the characters are deeply flawed and there is massive inappropriate beahvior, but in a few years, you should definitely put the film on your watch list. The direction by Sam Mendes is first rate and Kevin Spacey's Oscar winning performance is a knockout, as are the performances of Annette Bening and Chris Cooper.

I think AMERICAN BEAUTY is brilliant...enormous re-watch appeal with spectacular performances from Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening. Lester Bernham is one of the most original creations of American cinema.

Re: American Beauty
 

I find this to be a very odd movie. The fact that Spacey's character likes such a younger girl sickens me a lot.

I think the fact that you do not understand the film sickens me a lot.

Just saying

Re: American Beauty
 

thank god, at least no one stops me from watching these movies ;) BTW I really like American beauty ...

Re: American Beauty
 

I have come to see the movie with a certain prejudice. Everyone saying that it was so wonderful, so touching, so excited -- I usually tend to go with movies that nobody likes. Nevertheless, this one was a certain exception.

Re: American Beauty
 

How often do you see a movie promoting the right things?

Rarely. That's why I disagree and think it's a stupid argument

It seems if a movie isn't selling the wrong things, it's not going to sell. I rarely see anything good coming out of Hollywood nowadays.

American Beauty
 

There are so many aspects of this movie I love. It was one of those films that drew me in and never let me go until the end. I was mystified by the supernatural aura of the film, haunted by the darker elements, enamored by the stylization, entertained by the humor, touched by genuine pieces of humanity, allured by nostalgia of young love, appalled at the violence and at peace with it at all by the end of the film. Rarely has a film evoked so much genuine emotion while still feeling cohesive.

This film gets a reputation as smut by some. Is this the film where a mid-age creep dates a girl in high school? Yes. Is it also a film where two ignored people in separate walks of life have appreciation for each other? Yes. Does it tickle men's fantasies of being younger and more virile? Sure. It does go for shock value at times, but there's also depth within it that can be too easily missed. While the most apparent hook of the film is perhaps the inappropriate romance, it's not the reason of the film's acclaim. It's not about one character or one relationship, but really the circumstances of all of the characters (and how they each are relatable in their own way). Most of the cast is neglected and suffering in some way, compounded by a lack of communication.

The movie does have it's flaws:
* The extent at which gay marriage and marijuana were promoted was bold for its time, but feels like a silly attempt at shock value in hindsight that they're no longer controversial.
* Some of the characters are stereotypical: jolly gay couple, alarmist real estate mom and a a drill sargeant military father. But I'd be lying if I said they don't exist in reality.
* Sometimes it feels like a cardboard cutout advertisement for American liberal politics.

It's an anthem to the neglected teenage girl, the creepy social outcast teenage boy with a good heart and the pathetic middle-aged man who has been cut down to size. In some ways, it is very fantasy-like and was designed to give a feeling of power to people who feel helpless. However, the extent at which the makers of the film truly resonated with the viewer's emotions, thrilled them with dramatic elements and gave them bits of warmth in between the cold and sad moments truly makes it stand out as an essential film.

9.5/10

Re: American Beauty
 

I absolutely loved this film. I found it mesmerising and touching as well. In fact, you've put me in the mood to watch it again. I don't think I've ever seen anything with Kevin Spacey where he wasn't good at playing his role.

Re: American Beauty
 

I enjoyed reading your review and agree with your rating but I question your comment - a mid-age creep dates a girl in high school. I dont recall them 'dating'. He fantisised about her, she hit on him, and he rejected her is the way I recall it. Am I missing something?
Still, I really enjoyed this movie. All the characters felt pretty real to me.

He fantasized about her, after Ricky Fitts ridiculed her for being pitiful and ugly, she showed up at Jane's house and ran into Lester, who fixed her a sandwich and flirted with her and having been dealt that ego shattering blow from Ricky, she decided to throw herself at Lester who was about to fulfill his fantasy when she confessed that, despite all her bragging throughout the film about being a sexual dynamo, she was really a virgin and Lester couldn't do it.

Re: American Beauty
 

I have nothing to say other than the brilliance of this film, the premise, the story, the weird happenings of those two families , it s just a brilliant film, and kevin spacey makes it even better, superb stuff, it has to go as one of the top 3 dramas ever

At the time I saw it in the theater, it was one of my favorite films, Its still in my top fifty.

That Times review is written by someone who loves their own voice. They're writing just to have something to say.

I found this review on American Beauty on the internet, it's a much better annalist of what the film was really about.

I like this explanation. Simple and objective.

Yeah me too🙂

Re: American Beauty
 

There's only a couple handfuls of movies I like from the last 40 years and this would probably be in my Top 5.



Watch it and judge for yourself. I first saw it at 17, last saw it in my 30s.

One thing that makes this different is that there is not one likable character in the whole movie. You could nitpick this by mentioning the gay couple. Only because they're screen time is so short.

A solid 9/10 and my fave of 1999, a stellar year for film.

Re: American Beauty
 

I actually liked Lester when he finally became a man. But I can't think of many movies I love that had no characters I liked.

Who's the King, though?

Re: American Beauty
 

yeah right, simple & objective

They're both good but possibly over-rated. Ask sissy why she says they are trash...there is much MUCH worse.

Re: American Beauty
 

gosh havent seen american beauty for long time since it first release

I saw it once in what I think must have been my teens and thinking it was pretty good, but I revisited it when I was 30 and thought it was pretty insipid.

Curious as to what exactly you think constitutes "propaganda techniques" here. In any case, I think it's fair to look at the films that instantly garnered reputations as classics upon initial release and sincerely ask if those reputations are still warranted after the initial hype has died down. It's important to note how the review goes on to question whether the screenwriter's talk of living in authentic life in truly reflected in the film itself and, if so, whether it's done so with a significant amount of depth or quality. The review ends up picking apart why it's ultimately not a deep enough film to truly deserve its reputation as some kind of insightful drama about the human condition (even the "simple and objective" review Citizen Rules quoted amounts to repeating a single theme in relation to each character, which is the exact kind of superficial analysis that Zacharek derides in the review and would look bad regardless of opinion).

lmao what

If it's an anniversary piece, it makes sense to point out initial perspectives and how they may have changed (or not changed) over the past 20 years. In any case, I think this is inevitable with all Best Picture winners because that kind of award obviously begs the question as to whether or not it was the "best picture" that year (e.g. the previous year's winner, Shakespeare in Love now being mainly remembered as the film that undeservedly won over the much more popular Saving Private Ryan). I concede that it's hard to qualify what most moviegoers make of it these days (even Internet metrics like IMDb or RT are unreliable to some degree whether due to deliberate interference or simply not representing a sizeable cross-section of the population), but it's not inconceivable that there would be critics who did not give it acclaim either then or now (and even a cursory Google of other anniversary pieces of American Beauty indicate this sentiment was already in the air anyway). I mean, I was genuinely surprised when it turned up on this site's all-timer countdown a while back because I didn't think people had that much residual affection for it, but then again that could just be a matter of it having just the right number of points and votes.

Isn't this just a matter of showing your work, though? If you're going to criticise a film, you have to lead with examples taken from within the film itself and arguably from the film's creators (if you don't want to call Death of the Author, that is) as a means of determining the greater meaning of a film. I think it is fair to say that American Beauty does go broad with so much of its symbolism (not just the roses and use of red but also stuff like the plastic bag) and storytelling (the third-act mix-up that reads like something out of a sitcom).

I think you'd have to explain how each of these qualifies as propagandistic as opposed to merely argumentative. Much of this just reads like the kind of editorialising description one would expect from such a piece anyway. Only one of these comes across as markedly presumptuous (the one with the "movie with a message" line) and even then I question how effective that message is when you've got people in this thread saying they started to like Lester once he started "being a man".

I get the impression that it's more a matter of how there's not much debate to really be had about it one way or the other anymore due to its status as a film that's extremely stuck in 1999 and already seems quaint in its approach to the matter of existential discontent (hence why it got called a square film about non-conformity). Compare it to something like the same year's Fight Club that's also about an office drone breaking free of his dissatisfying "perfect" life but in a way that has proven more relevant in subsequent years as it focuses on a collective of angry young men as opposed to a single middle-aged burnout.

As noted, I agree that it's hard to properly quantity that one way or the other. I think the implication regarding critic lists is that they are better at qualifying its worth as a film (subjectively speaking, of course) - after all, just because mass audiences like a film does not guarantee that it is a great work of art either.

On this we can agree.

American Beauty is the single weirdest drama movie I've ever seen. I wouldn't play it for my 14-year-old. Definitely 17-18, but not 14. Hell, I saw it when I was 25 and... there's a lot about that movie that's just so... off.

Sorry I can't defend you. But I'd say wait on that and Pulp Fiction. Both kovies might have been really heavy hitters for me when I was your age. Didn't even see Pulp Fiction until my early 20's.

As you know, Pulp Fiction is practically unanimously acclaimed, but the wait is worth it. American Beauty is a case of mostly love but justified hate due to its absurd behavior.

Re: American Beauty
 

OP is from 2003, I daresay there's no need to wait at this point.