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Review

Satirizing the dark recesses, or at least, the banal conformity of suburbia has been a frequent target for American comedies. Few, however, have succeeded as potently as American Beauty, a scathing, acerbic, almost deadpan bit of hilarity whose pulse is squarely tapped in. Like William Holden's Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard, Spacey's Lester Burnham narrates from the grave, a wonderful conceit that sets the tone for this pinpoint satire. Lester is a 42-year-old ad exec fighting a losing battle at work and home. His brittle wife Carolyn (Bening) is more concerned with her real estate business, and teenaged daughter Jane (Birch) is embarrassed by them both. After a midlife crisis reawakening, Lester's new attitude paves the way for the story's scintillating comedy, whether it be blackmailing his boss or lusting over his daughter's young girlfriend. Debuting director Mendes (Broadway's "Cabaret") and writer Alan Ball have found fresh ingredients for this oft-told story of suburban unbliss, and an exceptional ensemble brings it to full bloom. Spacey, who won a Best Actor Oscar for his bristling portrayal, is miraculous as a doormat who finds his voice (a gleefully mocking one), and Bening is just right as the wife who refuses to change. This thorny rose is one big, beautiful blossom. Winner of 5 Academy Awards, including Picture, Director and Screenplay.