American Beauty

barefooter · 12-17-2002, 05:32 PM

I'd like to start a dialogue on this film. It's one of my favorites with its black humor and satirical look at American suburban life.

I'd go into a lot more detail now, but I'm under a time crunch (finals week).

I'll be back.

Zooropa · 12-17-2002, 09:45 PM

It's an excellent film (mostly due to Sam Mendes's directing), but I'm a bit biased against it. American Beauty won Best Picture at the Academy Awards while superior films like "Fight Club," "Magnolia," and "Eyes Wide Shut" were not even nominated that year. That said, it's a great, but very overrated film.

Yojimbo · 12-17-2002, 09:51 PM

I really loved it at first...but as the years passed, I feel that it's a bit overrated. The acting was good, and I wasn't really offended by its seamy nature, but something just didn't strike me right. I'll think about it later; it's been awhile since I last saw it.

***Art*** · 12-18-2002, 02:16 AM

I loved the movie. I can't hold the Acadamy Award against it... those fools are always wrong.

Adam · 12-18-2002, 10:45 AM

The movie ranks in my top ten, probably because most morality movies are skewed. Yet this one does a fine job of portraying American life (overly exaggerated of course, as that was the point).

It had all the elements of a good movie. The camera work, color symbolization (red on the door, rose petals), great dialogue, humor, and tradegy. I love it.

**Sean** · 12-18-2002, 11:32 AM

I really liked it. I still watch it regularly. I definatley have to agree with Art, don't hold its winning the Academy Award against it. Considering some of the movies that have won in recent history, I have no problem with the idea that American Beauty won it.

I think the movie is especially impressive considering that it was Sam Mendes first film. The detail put into it was incredible. It was one of those movies I couldn't wait to watch it with the commentary track, just find out all the little things I missed while watching it.

Adam · 12-18-2002, 12:26 PM

Quote:

I think the movie is especially impressive considering that it was Sam Mendes first film. The detail put into it was incredible. It was one of those movies I couldn't wait to watch it with the commentary track, just find out all the little things I missed while watching it.

I agree. It definitely is a probing film.

Zooropa · 12-18-2002, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AtlasShrugs
I definatley have to agree with Art, don't hold its winning the Academy Award against it. Considering some of the movies that have won in recent history, I have no problem with the idea that American Beauty won it.

Yeah, I know. I'm just such a huge fan of those films that I mentioned. The fact that they weren't recognized is ridiculous. It's really the Academy that rubs me the wrong way. But whenever I think of American Beauty, the first thing I think of is it winning.

Quote:

I think the movie is especially impressive considering that it was Sam Mendes first film.

Yeah, it was probably one of the top debut films by a director ever.

R2D2 · 12-18-2002, 09:25 PM

I've never seen American Beauty. I've heard a lot of good things about it from people I highly respect, but I've also heard that it's got more than it's fair share of sex and nudity. As someone who has struggled tremendously with lust in the past, I'm extremely careful about what I allow myself to watch. I'm interested in seeing this movie, but would like to hear your guy's take on it first....how much sex and nudity is in it? Is it the artsy kind (like the David statue) or the erotic semi-porn kind?

Travis · 12-18-2002, 11:43 PM

I didn't like it, personally.

**Sean** · 12-18-2002, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by R2D2
I've never seen American Beauty. I've heard a lot of good things about it from people I highly respect, but I've also heard that it's got more than it's fair share of sex and nudity. As someone who has struggled tremendously with lust in the past, I'm extremely careful about what I allow myself to watch. I'm interested in seeing this movie, but would like to hear your guy's take on it first....how much sex and nudity is in it? Is it the artsy kind (like the David statue) or the erotic semi-porn kind?

Well its and artsy movie, but the nudity is more the semi-porn kind I guesse. Its difficult to explain without giving away spoilers. There are several scenes of this one girl wearing nothing, but she has rose pedals very carefully placed on her body. Theres another scene where you see her topless. Its kind of suppose to be erotic but its also suppose to feel very wrong. Like I said, I can't really explain with out spoiling the movie.

**Sean** · 12-18-2002, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Travis
I didn't like it, personally.

What in particular didn't you like?

Travis · 12-19-2002, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AtlasShrugs
What in particular didn't you like?

I dunno. I just watched it and when it was over I was like "well that sucked..." Perhaps it was overhyped or I expected it to be something different or maybe just not my taste.

R2D2 · 12-19-2002, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AtlasShrugs
Well its and artsy movie, but the nudity is more the semi-porn kind I guesse. Its difficult to explain without giving away spoilers. There are several scenes of this one girl wearing nothing, but she has rose pedals very carefully placed on her body. Theres another scene where you see her topless. Its kind of suppose to be erotic but its also suppose to feel very wrong. Like I said, I can't really explain with out spoiling the movie.

Thanks. Sounds like it's a movie I should avoid then.

***Art*** · 12-19-2002, 12:45 AM

Regarding the nudity:

****Spoiler*****

As was mentioned before, the rose pedals covering the body parts... that was erotic style, a guy's fantasy. The second one was actually a different girl... that one was kind of an awkward thing, where a girl was showing herself to a guy, but was quite uncomfortable, etc. Then, as I remember, there was a third involving the first girl... But I really don't remember that.