Film
MAR 2024
“It is a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself; makes you wonder what else you can do that you’ve forgotten about.” – Lester Burnham (played by Kevin Spacey)
American Beauty, a 1999 American black comedy-drama film, marks the directorial debut of Sam Mendes, with a screenplay by Alan Ball. When people ask me for my selection of favorite films, this one never fails to make a list. I love everything from the cinematography and the completely surprising storyline to the incredible acting performances. The film’s powerful exploration of complex themes, such as societal pressures, beauty standards, and personal liberation, make it an absolute classic and is why I wanted to share it on Funga.
“Because everything that was meant to happen, does… eventually.”
At the 72nd Academy Awards, the film won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Mendes, Best Actor for Spacey, Best Original Screenplay for Ball, and Best Cinematography for Hall. I feel the biggest disservice was made not having awarded Annette Bening with an Oscar for her role as Spacey´s wife – she is beyond brilliant, and watching her is the greatest joy from beginning to end.
Annette Bening delivering one of the most impressive performances I have ever seen
“I guess I could be pretty pissed off about what happened to me, but it is hard to stay mad when there is so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I am seeing it all at once, and it’s too much – my heart fills up like a balloon that is about to burst. And then I remember to relax… and stop trying to hold on to it. And then it flows through me like rain, and I can’t feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid, little life.” – Lester Burnham (played by Kevin Spacey)
I have included the closing monologue of the movie below because it teaches the transformative power of gratitude and mindfulness in overcoming adversity and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. It emphasizes the importance of shifting perspective from anger and resentment towards appreciation for the beauty surrounding us, even in difficult times. By letting go of the need to control or hold onto fleeting moments and allowing them to flow through us with acceptance and gratitude, we can experience a profound sense of peace and contentment. Something to be reminded of!
