The flaws and the merit of this movie have been commented in enough messages, so I will not delve in them. In short, the film's attempt to reveal the distortions of contemporary suburban life, and the unlikely ways in which beauty can be found is laudable, but its symbolism too obvious and its depth insufficient.
All this said, the positive aspect of this movie is that it is an Hollywood movie, and it can reach an Hollywood audience. Suburban multiplexes do not carry films like "Happiness" (a vastly superior film), and suburbanites are brought up to a diet of brainless action movie and stupid comedies.
A film like this, with all its flaws, is a good change for people who flocked to see "Armageddon." Unfortunately, the space for quality cinema in contemporary America is becoming very scarce. For a while at least, "American beauty" could be the best most people will get.
All this said, the positive aspect of this movie is that it is an Hollywood movie, and it can reach an Hollywood audience. Suburban multiplexes do not carry films like "Happiness" (a vastly superior film), and suburbanites are brought up to a diet of brainless action movie and stupid comedies.
A film like this, with all its flaws, is a good change for people who flocked to see "Armageddon." Unfortunately, the space for quality cinema in contemporary America is becoming very scarce. For a while at least, "American beauty" could be the best most people will get.