First-time director Mendes, migrating from the theatre, has constructed a grand slam of a motion picture. A flawless cast - Bening as the confused mother, Birch as the awkward daughter, Suvari as the symbol of youthful sexuality, Bentley as the drug-dealing outcast neighbor, and especially Cooper as Bentley's militant father - combine to deliver one of the decade's strongest ensemble performances. Ball, whose only previous writing experience was in television, crafts his hysterically dark script with the mark of an assured veteran. 73-year-old Hall's cinematography, as well as Newman's subtle score, combine to make this an outstanding work of entertainment that will surely be remembered as one of 1999's most memorable films.AMERICAN BEAUTY composer Thomas Newman won a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
(73 votes)
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