American Beauty (1999)

American Beauty is a 1999 American black comedy-drama film written by Alan Ball and directed by Sam Mendes. Lester Burnham, portrayed by Kevin Spacey, is an advertising executive who suffers a midlife crisis after falling in love with his teenage daughter's closest friend, played by Mena Suvari. The film's explorations of romantic and paternal love, sexuality, materialism, self-liberation, and redemption have been described by academics as a satire about American middle-class conceptions of beauty and personal happiness.

The entire cast gives outstanding performances, but Kevin Spacey gives one of the best Kevin Spacey performances of all time. Spacey's performance was praised, and he won his well-deserved Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, as well as several other awards, including the BAFTA Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and numerous nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.

Detailed Information:

Directed by: Sam Mendes

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari

Release dates: September 8, 1999 (Grauman's Egyptian Theatre)/September 15, 1999 (United States)
Running time: 122 minutes