American Beauty (1999)

"Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much,
my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst."

American Beauty has been called a comedic tragedy. I think it should be labeled as a horror film about the American dream. This film is all about a man who is tired of running the rat race. Not only is Lester Burnham tired but he is sick and infected with the ideal world of a white-picket fence, matching gardening shoes and pliers, and of course fake smiles. Maybe it's just a mid-life crisis but Lester is a hero! American Beauty breaks down many modern ideals and stereotypes with Lester swinging the hammer. It's a lot of fun until it gets messy and overwhelming. It's a bizarre film that's incredibly well acted and at the heart it's a revealing tale that asks it's audience to reexam their own lives.

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