Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) is having a mid-life crisis and tries to turn his life around after becoming infatuated with his daughters friend Angela Hayes (Mena Suvari).

This is probably the best dark humour film to exist. This movie depicts real life that you see every day but probably don't really notice. Watching a family that is so distant between each other but try to pretend they are ok is something many people may be able to relate to. Seeing Lester finally let all his frustrations out and speaking his real truth of how he feels was satisfying. This is a movie that will be viewed and experienced quite differently depending on what part of your life you are currently in. Some will currently relate to it; some will dread it and find it unsettling and some may just shrug it off. Now while they seem relatable, they are definitely not likeable characters, but Sam Mendes does a really great job at sucking you in with complex ones.

Kevin Spacey is fantastic in this movie and deserved his Oscar for best actor. The rest of the cast were also all excellent except for Annette Bening. I got to be honest, I didn't like her in this movie. Sam Mendes made something so mesmerizing in his directional debut. From the enthralling camera work to the genius script, it was all wonderfully crafted. It all felt unique and special. The score is also incredible, some of the song choices was great.

It covers topics that I don't think you would get away with in todays world. It is basically pedophilia, and I really don't think it would sit well. People nowadays can be quite touchy.

I do think this movie does a good job at making people in similar positions as Lester's to really evaluate their life. Of course I wouldn't recommend going down the same road as he did, but I think most of you choose a different path that leads to a better and healthier life style.

American Beauty that truly resonates with the audience in different ways and while not quite a masterpiece, I do think is a great film. 8/10.