The 1990s catalogue
Browse the games, films, animation and hardware of the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Choose a decade and a region, then open any entry for its full description, who made it, and where to read more.
American Beauty
Released
1999 US film directed by Sam Mendes
American Beauty is a 1999 American black comedy and psychological drama film directed by Sam Mendes in his feature-film directorial debut, and written by Alan Ball. Kevin Spacey stars as Lester Burnham, an advertising executive who experiences a midlife crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter’s teenage best friend, played by Mena Suvari. Annette Bening stars as Lester's materialistic wife, Carolyn, and Thora Birch plays their insecure daughter, Jane. Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper, Peter Gallagher, and Allison Janney co-star. Academics have described how beauty and personal satisfaction are perceived by the American middle class; further analysis has focused on its treatment of romantic and paternal love; sexuality, materialism, and self-liberation. …
- Runtime
- 121 min
- Director
- Sam Mendes
- Screenwriter
- Alan Ball
- Starring
- Chris Cooper, Peter Gallagher, Mena Suvari
- Producer
- Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks
- Composer
- Thomas Newman
- Genre
- drama film, black comedy film, LGBTQ-related film
- Original language
- English