American Beauty (1999)

Synopsis of American Beauty

Noted theater director Sam Mendes, who was responsible for the acclaimed 1998 revival of Cabaret and Nicole Kidman's turn in The Blue Room, made his motion picture debut with this film about the dark side of an American family, and about the nature and price of beauty in a culture obsessed with outward appearances. Kevin Spacey plays Lester Burnham, a man in his mid-40s going through an intense midlife crisis; he's grown cynical and is convinced that he has no reason to go on. Lester's relationship with his wife Carolyn (Annette Bening) is not a warm one; while on the surface Carolyn strives to present the image that she's in full control of her life, inside she feels empty and desperate. Their teenage daughter Jane (Thora Birch) is constantly depressed, lacking in self-esteem, and convinced that she's unattractive. Her problems aren't helped by her best friend Angela (Mena Suvari), an aspiring model who is quite beautiful and believes that that alone makes her a worthwhile person. Jane isn't the only one who has noticed that Angela is attractive: Lester has fallen into uncontrollable lust for her, and she becomes part of his drastic plan to change his body and change his life. Meanwhile, next door, Colonel Fitts (Chris Cooper) has spent a lifetime in the Marine Corps and can understand and tolerate no other way of life, which makes life difficult for his son Ricky (Wes Bentley), an aspiring filmmaker and part-time drug dealer who is obsessed with beauty, wherever and whatever it may be. American Beauty was also the screen debut for screenwriter Alan Ball. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

122 mins

Director(s):

Sam Mendes

Writer(s):

Alan Ball

Producer(s):

Alan Ball, Bruce Cohen, Stan Wlodkowski

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Drug Content, Nudity, Violence, Profanity, Not For Children, Sexual Situations, Adult Humor)

• 1999 - American Society of Cinematographers - Outstanding Achievement Award
• 1999 - American Society of Cinematographers - Best Cinematography
• 1999 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Editing
• 1999 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Film Music
• 1999 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actor
• 1999 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Picture
• 1999 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actress
• 1999 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Cinematography
• 1999 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Editing
• 1999 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1999 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1999 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Original Screenplay
• 1999 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Most Promising Actor
• 1999 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1999 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1999 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Actor
• 1999 - Directors Guild of America - Best Director - Feature Film
• 1999 - Golden Globe - Best Picture - Drama
• 1999 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Screenplay
• 1999 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Director
• 1999 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Picture - Drama
• 1999 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1999 - National Board of Review - Best Picture
• 1999 - National Board of Review - Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actor
• 1999 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Cinematography
• 1999 - Screen Actors Guild - Best Performance by a Cast
• 1999 - Screen Actors Guild - Best Female Actor in a Leading Role
• 1999 - Screen Actors Guild - Best Actor
• 1999 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Director [Runner-up]
• 1999 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay [Runner-up]
• 1999 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Actor
• 1999 - Writers Guild of America - Best Original Screenplay

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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