American Beauty

American Beauty (Sam Mendes, 1999)

The film begins with an introduction by Lester (Kevin Spacey), the father in the protagonist family. This is because in certain moments of the film, reality is shown to us as Lester  sees it. For example, in the scene where his daughter's friend, Angela (Mena Suvari) dances insinuating only for him (That is what he imagines). Or when, later, he dreams about her.

I wish films had more devices like this, since they show us how a character is really living a situation. Reality is important in order to understand what's happening in general, but, individually, dreams and wishes may be even more important.

In Jane (Thora Birch) and Ricky's (Wes Bentley) relationship they exchange ideas and speak about their problems. One of the things that proves the intimacy they have is that they record themselves, for example, speaking. This is something important for Ricky. Some of the most beautiful moments in his life are recorded and he watchs them again and again.

I really like this film. I think this is because there is no "The good and the bad". People is shown as they really are. Their hopes, their fears, their worries and their secrets. It is real.