American Beauty

I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous to touch upon this film, but I feel that it is so unique that it must be discussed. 

American Beauty is a film starring a seemingly ordinary man leading a pretty normal life, until he realizes that he "has nothing to lose".  Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) has a midlife crisis after being let go from his job and finding love in a hopeless place.

First I want to point out that I admire Spacey's role in this film.  I think he does a magnificent job capturing the carefree wit of the character he's playing.  However, I do not support any of his unlawful actions outside of the world of Hollywood.  Besides that fact, I believe him being cast as the lead role for a film of this caliper at the time was a great move.

With that said, let's move on.

Never have I seen a film approach a concept like the one portrayed in this film.  A middle-aged man pursuing a high school age girl WITH her consent, as well as backing down when he isn't asked to out of respect for her decisions which may have been easily influenced.  Since Burnham is so much older than Angela (Mena Suvari), the girl in question, he could have just as easily manipulated her into thinking that she should do what he wants just because he is in an authoritative position.

After all of the trials and tribulations that life has put him through recently, like losing his job, finding out his wife has been cheating on him, and that his daughter hates him, this could have driven him to do something he seriously could have regretted... but he never did.  This might be what makes this film stand out above the rest in its category.

While I'm here, allow me to touch upon one more tough subject area.

I applaud this film for bringing out a closeted gay military veteran.  Although Col. Frank Fitts (Chris Cooper) played the dark parts of what a man in this confusing position is going through, he played it very well.  This can also be a very touchy topic of discussion and it was a bold move to approach it like they did.

Overall, I'd recommend this movie, but to a niche group of people.  Perhaps it would be easier recommended back when it came out in the late 90s, but after ethical issues involving certain actors and with the way we view situations like the ones portrayed in this film, I feel only few would be able to look past it and recognize it simply as it is: a film.