American Beauty

American Beauty is a 1999 American black comedy-drama film directed by Sam Mendes and written by Alan Ball. Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, is an advertising executive who has a midlife crisis after falling in love with his teenage daughter's best friend, played by Mena Suvari. Carolyn, Lester's materialistic wife, is played by Annette Bening, and their insecure daughter, Jane, is played by Thora Birch. Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper, and Allison Janney are also in the film. Academics have described the film as a satire of American middle-class notions of beauty and personal satisfaction, with additional analysis focusing on the film's explorations of romantic and paternal love, sexuality, materialism, self-liberation, and redemption.

Most aspects of the production were praised, with special emphasis on Mendes, Spacey, and Ball centered on the characters and setting's familiarity. The film won Best Picture, Best Director for Mendes, Best Actor for Spacey, Best Original Screenplay for Ball, and Best Cinematography for Hall at the Academy Awards. Many other awards and honors were bestowed upon and won by the film, primarily for directing, writing, and acting.

Detailed information:

Directed by: Sam Mendes

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch

Release dates: September 8, 1999

Running time: 122 minutes