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I kicked off the “New for 2015” Film Club last week with American Beauty and have now seen it for the first time. What can I say? Wow. It’s an incredible film and one I would definitely watch again because I am sure each time you watch it you see more. It’s heartstoppingly brilliant. I will watch it again. And if you watch it and dont feel moved and questioning your own life well, well you are alone.
It tells the story of Lester Burnham, a married father of one who realises at the age of 42 that he is in a rut. A full blown mid life crisis, triggered by fantasising about his daughter’s best friend, Angela. A girl who knows exactly how to get a man to do what she wants even at the age of 17, as long as it is sexual. What Lester doesn’t know though is that the film has opened with his daughter saying to camera that she wants him killed.
I won’t give the plot away in case you haven’t seen it and want to but highlights include
- the idea that an estate agent (Lester’s wife, Carolyn) would scrub a house clean ahead of a viewing whilst wearing nothing but her underwear
- Realising that back in the early 90s when two men said they were partners people really did assume this meant in business because it generally didn’t mean anything else. How times have changed.
- “who keeps me in clean piss”
- the soundtrack is awesome
- Kevin Spacey is superb
Have you watched it? Would love you to comment and let me know what you think. Or if you watched it and want to write your own post, do link up with the linky below
And dont forget to suggest other films for us to watch. Like Little Jason below who has suggested this week’s film
So that is next week’s film. Watch it, comment, blog about it and link up. There is even a little badge you can display if you like.
It is not a film I would ever chose to watch but that is the point of the Film Club! But apparently there is a drinking game to go with it which might be fun.
Have a good week, see you next Saturday
I’m a big fan of films with good soundtracks, top-notch performances or just a damn good yarn.
I also quite like films where actors do things that you imagine could make them feel uncomfortable….because that means (to me) THEY think the film’s worthy of them taking a risk.
This certainly has the first two (it’s not really a yarn) and I think it’s risky too.
Just one tip, don’t watch it without being able to hear it properly
Thought American Beauty was fantastic and Annette Bening (though overlooked for an Oscar) was brilliant. She is so good in everything!