WARNING: This video is NOT intended to glamorize Kevin Spacey. He and his actions are absolutely horrendous and should be looked down upon with the utmost disgust by every sensible human being.
Much as i agree with the sentiment of your statement to your audience, please be mindful that Spacey has not been charged with a crime and therefore not guilty of anything at this point. Its prudent not to partake in accusations within the public sphere if you are to act impartially - as Spacey has yet not any criminal charges placed on him. I personally dont think he will either.
I hate it how people think of it only as a mediocre pedophile/mid-life crisis flick, when it's something way deeper and more intelligent. Excellent essay, thumbs up!
anyone who restricts the films many meanings to just 'peedo jargon argument' just missed the many points to the film. If anything Lester Burnham missed his youth, longed for it and was really just trying to recapture that. Probably all of us will at some point tap straight into that zone when its in the consciousness that its now behind us. Thats just one reason why i find it sad. But its so much more than 'peedo arguments' - thats a red herring from people who dont really care for it.
what is the philosophy of boredom? I do know a lot of people dont get bored watching American Beauty - if anything its a cerebral coach trip dipping toes into a lot of areas of everyday life, laughing, grimacing and wondering what its about. I wasnt bored the 4 times i went to the cinema the week i first got to see it at the cinema.
what I said would be the philosophy of boredom in the movie is related to something Lester says in the very beginning of the movie... something about being dead and slowly dying. The subtext is very powerful in the movie, even if the director had no intention for it to be as such.
I get that people might think this movie is pretentious but I think the message of it is so simple and relatable. It's not larger than life, it's just life, with some pretty cinematography. You can't hate pretty cinematography.
Your opinion says a lot about who you are. And people can change. But life is more then just another thing. What’s more important? What more can anyone do? But live.
Jack's Movie Reviews I know. I really do think it's a bit hard to understand that someone with a slight interest in movies doesn't like American Beauty.
PauLtus B Same. I didn't think I would like American Beauty, but I saw it was on Netflix and decided "what the hell?" 10 minutes in, I knew I was watching something special. Easily in my Top 5 of all time.
That prisoner analysis was spot on, striving for freedom is probably one of the main themes of the film and you nailed the shots that convey that message brilliantly. That said, I feel like you've missed part of the point of the film if you think beauty is only in the small details which require close inspection, or if you think the protagonist is not working on solving his issues in the best way possible and instead he's making it worse. Beauty is in everything, the good and the bad, your self-made or self-chosen prisons or in your absolute freedom, beauty is everywhere, and what we want to achieve is freedom from our misconception that life is anything BUT beautiful. Our protagnist is tired of being a prisoner, alright, so he liberates himself to the best of his abilities. It is beautifully human to forget some lyrics, and it is great to smoke some weed to open your mind while you're taking care of your body. Of course, he only achieves the 'ideal' freedom right before he dies, but that in itself is part of the message I feel, life is a journey and once you learned your 'lesson' from it you can die peacefully. Still, you're one of my faovirte channels so keep up the great work!
@@katelijne5272 Yes, there's definitely Eastern philosophical/spiritual undertones to the film. Love that contrast to the film's very Western title. The whole of Life is Yin AND Yang, both of which make up its beauty. The gratefulness Lester feels at the end is his awakened ability in that 'eternal' moment before death, both of the body, and more importantly, of the ego, to realize the inherent goodness of it. So every moment of his life, "good" and "bad", he can now appreciate from a higher perspective because he's come to accept the sum total.
I wasn't so convinced by Jack's thesis that this movie is about selfish people acting shittily. I watched it when I came out, and I was closer to the kids' age. Now I'm closer to Lester Burnham's age (and unfortunately still perving on younger girls). I was living in America when it came out, but I'm an Asian so I grasp some of the Easterner philosophy. The paper bag scene is very very easily lampooned, but it's also very close to taoist philosophy of a hidden life force that undergirds everything. Lester is on this great journey, and he goes through a lot of stages. It's his great awakening. He was spiritually dead at the beginning of the movie, then wrests his dignity back by leaving his soul crushing job. His perving over a daughter's friend is kinda gross but it's also something that lights a fire under him. Then there's this phase where his punching through a lot of facades of fakeness. And then there's this phase where he's getting in touch with his deeper emotions, living and experiencing a life that's more visceral and real - working out, buying a fancy car, copious amounts of masturbation, feeling up Angela in the bathtub, smoking weed, ultimately being more authentic and true to himself. At least being more of a free spirit. And then finally realising that the true value of Angela to him wasn't being able to fuck her, but it was about this new spirit that he found. Angela turned out not to be a sex partner, but an angel delivering a spiritual message. And finally he almost became some kind of older and wiser mentor to the younger kids. Lester is an inspiring figure because he goes through all the varieties of being alive - and he's a comical figure because all this is played against the backdrop of a plasticy picture perfect American suburbia. And the younger kids are going through their teenage angst and discovering love and thrills and being alive... they are on parallel trajectories as Lester. This is why the movie is a hopeful one, even if Lester dies in the end. Lester has to die because if he doesn't die, his current lifestyle will catch up with him. He will be divorced, and eventually become homeless. But in this movie he's a hero. His wife and the homophobic neighbour are his foils in this movie. The wife represents the material corporatocracy. The neighbour's homophobia represents some kind of militarised facade. They are the inauthentic people who represent some kind of mental prison that Lester was trying to escape from.
American Beauty is on a shortlist of the greatest films ever made. An exceptionally well written screenplay brought to life by an exceptionally talented cast. We are privileged to have seen such a beautiful piece of art in our lifetime. I, for one, am grateful.
I saw American Beauty in January 2000 - in the UK, Scotland. In fact at Showcase Cinemas, Coatbridge to be exact. I went 4 times that week to watch it. At that time i was 29 years old and i was doing a part time sociology course. I am a natural for sociology = if there is such a thing, as i am concerned and think about how i came to be who and what i am and how much it was choice versus being shaped by society/culture. My first point is - American Beauty is a monumental monster of a cinema classic. For one - its one of the best films in the history of cinema; end of. Why? It is because it does provoke thoughts. Thoughts on what is an eggshell marriage? what does it take to fit into the place you live? why sexuality is repressed with some people, and not others? what motivates us to pursue keeping up with the joneses? what is the class system? what is the illusion of success? what is reality? what is ' the life behind things' ? (to me it was one of many pointers that provoke you to think about the real person - because so many of us are not real in our every day lives - in particular those who live in newer housing estates (the nouveu riche). The questions the film raises are big and just as important now as they were 1999/2000 - if not more so. The characters aside, the music score aside, the cinematography aside, the dialogue aside, the impact of AB as a whole as an experience was/is special to me because i had never saw a film before that had so many elements that made me experience a wide gambit of emotions. Even the closing monologue is tugging at the heart strings while making you think - 'grandmothers skin, like paper' - sad. But for me its my all time fav movie. Kevin Spaceys best performance. Wes Bentely was amazing, and Men Suvari. I miss that period in my life , its over. But i do remember American Beauty.
Goes without saying: Yet another awesome analysis of a truly great movie, filled with fresh insight! Well I was positively surprised that you mentioned Conrad Hall, IMHO one of the all time great cinematographers (just look at some of his incredibly beautiful and meticulously planned shots (this was way before a shot could be stitched together with high precision, stabilized and then color graded - all with software and non-destructive as a routine procedure). This was still your "95% or more of what you see actually happened on set" movie - photochemical all the way through. Including CGI was still cumbersome and expensive. I would like to add the absolutely vital roll of Thomas Newman's iconic and perfectly fitting music score (imitated over and over, ever since). Thank you for this!
The family is living the American Dream - husband with a corporate job, wife running a real estate agency, driving an expensive SUV, a suburban house, well maintained lawns and expensive sofa. (That was the envy of the world until the 1990s.) Materially well off, but underneath the facade there is little warmth or happiness. Lester Burnham realizes he walked into this American Dream blindfolded...cheered on by society. The corporation he worked for is ready to kick him out, his wife is still chasing material success, his child has grow cold.
GREAT choice... one of my favourite movies EVER!!! Super interesting analysis as usual!! So happy to see your subscriber numbers continuing to climb slowly but surely!
I've seen this movie enough times I can quote it. I've also watched every video on UA-cam about American beauty. This honestly might be my favorite one. You just gave me another lens on this amazing movie. Thank you
I always get excited to see new analyses on American Beauty! It has so many layers and facets and so many applicable themes. I had never considered looking at FREEDOM but it's amazingly ironic, as this film is called AMERICAN Beauty and its color scheme is (of course!) red white & blue. Yet another idea found as we LOOK CLOSER. Thanks for the great video!! xx
The scene where he smokes weed and works out is what got me into the gym. Once I tried it, an hour of cardio became no different than meditation. Working out ceased to be a chore and became a treat preceded by a little puff (of sativa, never indica). It's Pavlovian, but it works for me -- thanks to this movie.
Thanks for this video! American Beauty is without a doubt one of my favorites of all time as well. Also I view this film as an inspiration on my writing. Thank you! And I can't wait for the next video...
Absolutely incredible analysis man. I just watched the film, loved it, then watched this, and loved it more. Thank you so much. Keep up the great work!
I know some other video essayists have covered it a few times, but it would be awesome to see your analysis of Drive (2011). There's so much going on in that film both thematically and on a technical level, I think there's loads of stuff you'd be able to discuss!
Saw the movie yesterday. So mad for denying myself the chance to see such phenomenal movie for so long. It's a life-altering experience, at least for me. Really puts things into perspective.
This is great, solid work and really inspiring. I watched a couple of video analysis of "American Beauty", but you've managed to come up with entirely new ideas. So kudos on that. I also like your editing. There is only on thing I think you should try to improve and that is your narration style. While you have a very good voice the way you read the text draws attention to the fact that the essay is being read. For example, you're sometimes reading to fast and important points have no time to develop in the viewer's mind. This creates a feeling of being dragged through the text. Compare your style to channels like "the Nerdwriter" and note the difference in pacing. While the essays are equally dense, he has a consistent pace and highlights important insights by articulating them like they are important. He also takes more breaks than you do. These breaks are used to highlight, separate and to draw attention to different ideas and concepts. Try taking a short break after a sentence, visualizing you we're giving a presentation. I point this out in order to help you and so the channel can grow and become bigger. Keep up the great work!!
You're welcome. The presentation style is in itself such a minor thing but has a huge impact on the general appeal. I really feel that this channel could blow up enormously. Your movie essays are not only above average but among the best out there. The videos are packed with good ideas. So please keep up the great work!!! You should also start a patreon account. I would definitely support your channel financially :)). Plus, may I make a suggestion for a movie review? Do "Children of Men", please. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. There are many interesting points to consider. ;)
Thank you! And maybe...I don't have any immediate plans to cover it, but it's a movie that I love, and would certainly be in favor of taking a look at it some day!
very nice perspective on - maybe - the greatest movie of all time. One thing i will say is - out probably all the films i have read or listened to reviews on - American Beauty tends to be cited as either 'one of the greatest movies' or 'someones all time favourite movie' or 'a significant heavyweight in their canon of movies'.
American Beauty is my favorite film of all time. I probably haven’t seen as many movies as you, Jack...but I love films and have seen more than most. 🤷🏻♂️ I don’t consider myself a huge fan of Kevin Spacey per se...I have never even seen House of Cards- but I love American Beauty and I love Lester Burnham. The MeToo movement may have made it politically unsavory for me to declare my love for his portrayal of Lester, and perhaps even this movie...but I don’t care and I just can’t find a fuck to give. I’m a fan of the film, and American Beauty has been my favorite since I first saw it in the theater. I still get a major case of the chills just watching the opening sequence (as I did watching your review), and I see something I’ve never noticed before every time I watch it again. I liked and subscribed due to your impeccable taste in movies! 🍿
thanks for your insight, one of my favourite movies ever and will become a classic. watched it few days ago after a year, its message doesn't date, I don't really care about Kevin Spacey's off screen life, his portrayal of Lester's life was brilliant. Not sure if the incorrect lyrics on American Woman,( the Guess Who were Canadian, ironically), were meant to show a deeper meaning, or just that we all sing like that sometimes, and hey, he was high, enjoying his reawakening, :))
Just thinking about the comment on Lester and his crush on a minor. In my opinion the minor symbolizes all the dreams and fantasies Lester wants. Youth, beauty, carelessness, passion, attention etc. Maybe he wants to turn back time? It seems like an easy escape, so he is chasing this mirage. At the end of the movie he has his huge epiphany, almost elevates above his life, and realises how much (hidden) beauty is circling around him, by just focusing his attention differently. Thinking about it, actually it is a happy end.
This movie came out when i was 6, i saw it when i was 13 expecting it to be a soft-p because of the cover. But what i was about to see was the most beautiful, deepest meaningful and emotionally movie i've ever seen which turns out to be my most favorite movie til today ❤ Almost no other movie blew my mind like this...
I love the little touches in this film that I'm only just picking up on now. That photograph of the family. Of course it isn't just some cheap 35 mm spontaneous shot of the three of them dressed in dumpy clothes at some fun little event. It's this lifeless, professionally done photo shoot with forced poses and forced smiles. It's very obvious this was Carolyn's idea lol. Actually everything about that damn home is Carolyn's.
I believe that this film was originally released sometime prior to all of the trouble which later came raining down on him. I'm not real familiar with his case. But sex, coercion, and abuse are indeed rife in this industry. That being said, the feature of 'noir' cleverly and tragically woven in and throughout this movie rates it as a must watch for any behavioral science afficionado. Five Easy pieces is one other. The Four Seasons is another. And Midnight Cowboy is still another. Along with American Beauty, each of these, like American Beauty, is also about the human soul; people so desperately trying to learn who they are, and just where in this whole world they 'might' belong.
Great analysis! The first time I saw this movie, I disliked it, as I really struggled to look past the plot and find a strong deeper meaning. However, as months went by and I thought about it some more/rewatched, I've come to love this movie. I think people can struggle to find the meaning in this film, which is where some of the controversy comes from.
This movie shows Luster's daughter's different behavior which is matching the frequency of the young boy living next door. The female character mentioned above is a little bit confused which shows immaturity and fear and the male character do not fear. Therefore the young boy can understand the beauty of this world and start capturing it in camera. Means you have to be wierd to understand beauty and fearless to experience it. Luster's character only shows you have to look closely, more closely and more closely to get the maturity of beauty of this world. Just like when you look close and close you start thinking this life is meaningless. If you keep on thinking about money which is what Luster's wife is doing all the time then you will end up seeking happiness which just tell how lazy and dump we can become to think and watch closely. If you try to watch closely and then more closely you will start experiencing beauty ( a perfect combination of happiness and satisfaction) and then you will never regret for dying.
I’m not sure that I would take that lesson away from the plastic bag scene. Focusing on the good things and accepting life? I think it is about focusing on the good things but also about an omniscient presence. I don’t really see the theme of accepting life here.
I thought him rebelling against Corporate 90s America was enough for a applause. There's nothing wrong with being a fry cook and being able to be free. Smoke weed & regain the inner child that soul crushing jobs seeks to extinguish.
This movie is one of my favorite because it resonates so much about what people think is going on in these picture perfect looking families and people in them, as so wonderful and perfect in there lives to anybody who sees the outside of them, but what goes on when people aren't looking behind closed doors, comepletly different story. What you have of materialistic value isn't always a true description of what they have inside themselves. Think of politicians, and Epstein types, and even the catholic church are perfect examples of what yiu thjnk and what is true dont always align. This movie shows that in a smaller window of a typical suburban family. That in a nutshell, people are sometimes comepletly fucked up and struggle to live day to day in a ever changing world. I think everybody can relate on some level to these characters.
I'm not sure if I can subtitle it (would take a lot of time that I'd prefer to spend on new videos) but I do have the script that I used to record it, there may be slight deviations, but it should be pretty close! docs.google.com/document/d/1eZDl5JgtWizCXr4JQqRrlGesmcm_abDCPGeM_lWjrE4/edit?usp=sharing
my man, these are legitimately beautiful. much better than nerdwriter imo whom is good already. these aren't superficial analysis' of the mechanics of a film, its more a philosophical and spiritual dissection. AAA shit
I appreciate that, but will defend Nerdwriter as someone who makes some of the best content on YT. His quality of content is what I strive to make. But thank you for the kind words!
Alejandro Cruz Blanco it just means relook at all the stereotypes. They fit the bill but they’re more than a type. People seem to think it just means take a closer look at the girl on the poster.
Loved your analysis as much as I love this movie. But I disagree with the assertion these are bad people. They're just people. I see it as a story of hope.
Lester idealizes Angela. He loves a person that doesn’t exist. Eventually he refuses to make love with Angela because he discovers she is a young girl and not the woman he created in his mind. The idealized Angela is the motivation that leads Lester to live a better life: breaking rules, chasing pleasure, trying to be a better version of himself. Definitely not a movie about pedophilia, but a modern representation of Schiller’s philosophy.
The message of this film has only deepened with the pandemic. I think millions of people are having a Lester moment right now And giving a middle finger to this corporate, materialistic, soul-crushing society that Carolyn represents.
In a way this is the ultimate MGTOW film. When Lester says he's a man who's hardly there he's not kidding. There's not one aspect of that house that's his. Home is supposed to be a man's castle and it's completely consumed by Carolyn. I love how she's immediately pissed off when he blasts music, smokes weed, And takes up the garage as his little cave because she really cannot stand to see him have any enjoyment.
WARNING: This video is NOT intended to glamorize Kevin Spacey. He and
his actions are absolutely horrendous and should be looked down upon
with the utmost disgust by every sensible human being.
Much as i agree with the sentiment of your statement to your audience, please be mindful that Spacey has not been charged with a crime and therefore not guilty of anything at this point. Its prudent not to partake in accusations within the public sphere if you are to act impartially - as Spacey has yet not any criminal charges placed on him. I personally dont think he will either.
Do you REALLY have to say that?
WE KNOW.
I still will love and cherish is movie for what it is a work of art.
Like your life is better. You just have not been brought to the light yet !
he made American Beauty = equal to = greatest movie ever made. I am surprised by the comment of the person who uploaded the video.
Oh, it just happens to be bad timing you had no control over mate
I hate it how people think of it only as a mediocre pedophile/mid-life crisis flick, when it's something way deeper and more intelligent. Excellent essay, thumbs up!
It's definitely a movie that asks you to think, and that's about all you can ask for!
I think you overlooked one big point, something i would call the philosophy of boredom !
anyone who restricts the films many meanings to just 'peedo jargon argument' just missed the many points to the film. If anything Lester Burnham missed his youth, longed for it and was really just trying to recapture that. Probably all of us will at some point tap straight into that zone when its in the consciousness that its now behind us. Thats just one reason why i find it sad. But its so much more than 'peedo arguments' - thats a red herring from people who dont really care for it.
what is the philosophy of boredom? I do know a lot of people dont get bored watching American Beauty - if anything its a cerebral coach trip dipping toes into a lot of areas of everyday life, laughing, grimacing and wondering what its about. I wasnt bored the 4 times i went to the cinema the week i first got to see it at the cinema.
what I said would be the philosophy of boredom in the movie is related to something Lester says in the very beginning of the movie... something about being dead and slowly dying. The subtext is very powerful in the movie, even if the director had no intention for it to be as such.
I get that people might think this movie is pretentious but I think the message of it is so simple and relatable. It's not larger than life, it's just life, with some pretty cinematography. You can't hate pretty cinematography.
That's my life motto, "you can't hate pretty cinematography!"
That's a good motto!
everything is beautiful, when you can find the beauty in it :)
Your opinion says a lot about who you are. And people can change. But life is more then just another thing. What’s more important? What more can anyone do? But live.
Just life with pretty cinematography?? Dude, this is Mendes and Thomas Fucking NEWMAN BABY!!
I actually distrust people who don't like American Beauty.
Chances are, they're not being truthful... :-)
Jack's Movie Reviews
I know.
I really do think it's a bit hard to understand that someone with a slight interest in movies doesn't like American Beauty.
PauLtus B apparently people r starting to say it's dated, I only watched it for the first time last week and it's not
+Ivy Gaming
I agree.
I think there's a matter that the current day culture has changed.
But that doesn't make it a less impactful film to watch.
PauLtus B Same. I didn't think I would like American Beauty, but I saw it was on Netflix and decided "what the hell?" 10 minutes in, I knew I was watching something special. Easily in my Top 5 of all time.
That prisoner analysis was spot on, striving for freedom is probably one of the main themes of the film and you nailed the shots that convey that message brilliantly.
That said, I feel like you've missed part of the point of the film if you think beauty is only in the small details which require close inspection, or if you think the protagonist is not working on solving his issues in the best way possible and instead he's making it worse.
Beauty is in everything, the good and the bad, your self-made or self-chosen prisons or in your absolute freedom, beauty is everywhere, and what we want to achieve is freedom from our misconception that life is anything BUT beautiful.
Our protagnist is tired of being a prisoner, alright, so he liberates himself to the best of his abilities. It is beautifully human to forget some lyrics, and it is great to smoke some weed to open your mind while you're taking care of your body. Of course, he only achieves the 'ideal' freedom right before he dies, but that in itself is part of the message I feel, life is a journey and once you learned your 'lesson' from it you can die peacefully.
Still, you're one of my faovirte channels so keep up the great work!
well said!
yes I agree with this completely. Beauty is also death and trash.
@@katelijne5272 Yes, there's definitely Eastern philosophical/spiritual undertones to the film. Love that contrast to the film's very Western title. The whole of Life is Yin AND Yang, both of which make up its beauty. The gratefulness Lester feels at the end is his awakened ability in that 'eternal' moment before death, both of the body, and more importantly, of the ego, to realize the inherent goodness of it. So every moment of his life, "good" and "bad", he can now appreciate from a higher perspective because he's come to accept the sum total.
I wasn't so convinced by Jack's thesis that this movie is about selfish people acting shittily. I watched it when I came out, and I was closer to the kids' age. Now I'm closer to Lester Burnham's age (and unfortunately still perving on younger girls). I was living in America when it came out, but I'm an Asian so I grasp some of the Easterner philosophy.
The paper bag scene is very very easily lampooned, but it's also very close to taoist philosophy of a hidden life force that undergirds everything. Lester is on this great journey, and he goes through a lot of stages. It's his great awakening.
He was spiritually dead at the beginning of the movie, then wrests his dignity back by leaving his soul crushing job. His perving over a daughter's friend is kinda gross but it's also something that lights a fire under him. Then there's this phase where his punching through a lot of facades of fakeness. And then there's this phase where he's getting in touch with his deeper emotions, living and experiencing a life that's more visceral and real - working out, buying a fancy car, copious amounts of masturbation, feeling up Angela in the bathtub, smoking weed, ultimately being more authentic and true to himself. At least being more of a free spirit. And then finally realising that the true value of Angela to him wasn't being able to fuck her, but it was about this new spirit that he found. Angela turned out not to be a sex partner, but an angel delivering a spiritual message. And finally he almost became some kind of older and wiser mentor to the younger kids. Lester is an inspiring figure because he goes through all the varieties of being alive - and he's a comical figure because all this is played against the backdrop of a plasticy picture perfect American suburbia.
And the younger kids are going through their teenage angst and discovering love and thrills and being alive... they are on parallel trajectories as Lester. This is why the movie is a hopeful one, even if Lester dies in the end. Lester has to die because if he doesn't die, his current lifestyle will catch up with him. He will be divorced, and eventually become homeless. But in this movie he's a hero.
His wife and the homophobic neighbour are his foils in this movie. The wife represents the material corporatocracy. The neighbour's homophobia represents some kind of militarised facade. They are the inauthentic people who represent some kind of mental prison that Lester was trying to escape from.
@@sieteocho spot on analysis!
I keep forgetting just how beautiful this movie is and how well the score went with it.
It's definitely a movie worth a rewatch!
American Beauty is on a shortlist of the greatest films ever made. An exceptionally well written screenplay brought to life by an exceptionally talented cast. We are privileged to have seen such a beautiful piece of art in our lifetime. I, for one, am grateful.
I'm 30, and just watched it for the first time. BOY was I missing out. One of my favorite films I've ever watched..
Welcome. I actually watched it many years after release, even though i was old enough to watch from day one. Yes i was missing out.
Pretty sure this is one of the best movies ever made period.
Totally agree!
I saw American Beauty in January 2000 - in the UK, Scotland. In fact at Showcase Cinemas, Coatbridge to be exact. I went 4 times that week to watch it. At that time i was 29 years old and i was doing a part time sociology course. I am a natural for sociology = if there is such a thing, as i am concerned and think about how i came to be who and what i am and how much it was choice versus being shaped by society/culture. My first point is - American Beauty is a monumental monster of a cinema classic. For one - its one of the best films in the history of cinema; end of. Why? It is because it does provoke thoughts. Thoughts on what is an eggshell marriage? what does it take to fit into the place you live? why sexuality is repressed with some people, and not others? what motivates us to pursue keeping up with the joneses? what is the class system? what is the illusion of success? what is reality? what is ' the life behind things' ? (to me it was one of many pointers that provoke you to think about the real person - because so many of us are not real in our every day lives - in particular those who live in newer housing estates (the nouveu riche). The questions the film raises are big and just as important now as they were 1999/2000 - if not more so. The characters aside, the music score aside, the cinematography aside, the dialogue aside, the impact of AB as a whole as an experience was/is special to me because i had never saw a film before that had so many elements that made me experience a wide gambit of emotions. Even the closing monologue is tugging at the heart strings while making you think - 'grandmothers skin, like paper' - sad. But for me its my all time fav movie. Kevin Spaceys best performance. Wes Bentely was amazing, and Men Suvari. I miss that period in my life , its over. But i do remember American Beauty.
Goes without saying: Yet another awesome analysis of a truly great movie, filled with fresh insight!
Well I was positively surprised that you mentioned Conrad Hall, IMHO one of the all time great cinematographers (just look at some of his incredibly beautiful and meticulously planned shots (this was way before a shot could be stitched together with high precision, stabilized and then color graded - all with software and non-destructive as a routine procedure). This was still your "95% or more of what you see actually happened on set" movie - photochemical all the way through. Including CGI was still cumbersome and expensive.
I would like to add the absolutely vital roll of Thomas Newman's iconic and perfectly fitting music score (imitated over and over, ever since). Thank you for this!
Thank you! I think this is a great example of a group of people coming together to make an excellent movie, everything seems to work.
Jack's Movie Reviews are you going to do a part 2 of this film?
The family is living the American Dream - husband with a corporate job, wife running a real estate agency, driving an expensive SUV, a suburban house, well maintained lawns and expensive sofa. (That was the envy of the world until the 1990s.) Materially well off, but underneath the facade there is little warmth or happiness. Lester Burnham realizes he walked into this American Dream blindfolded...cheered on by society. The corporation he worked for is ready to kick him out, his wife is still chasing material success, his child has grow cold.
I get chills whenever Any Other Name plays, it’s so relaxing and it puts me in a quiet and peaceful state of mind
GREAT choice... one of my favourite movies EVER!!! Super interesting analysis as usual!! So happy to see your subscriber numbers continuing to climb slowly but surely!
Thank you! We've been on a roll this past month, hopefully we can continue in the next couple months!
You really deserve it!!
I've seen this movie enough times I can quote it. I've also watched every video on UA-cam about American beauty. This honestly might be my favorite one. You just gave me another lens on this amazing movie. Thank you
I always get excited to see new analyses on American Beauty! It has so many layers and facets and so many applicable themes. I had never considered looking at FREEDOM but it's amazingly ironic, as this film is called AMERICAN Beauty and its color scheme is (of course!) red white & blue. Yet another idea found as we LOOK CLOSER. Thanks for the great video!! xx
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!
I agree. I love watching the reviews - everyone gives a new slant or idea. How many films can you do that with lol? There isnt many.
One of the most 'Perfect' Films of all time. Thank you for your reviews, Looking forward to the next vids, Cheers.
Thank you!
The scene where he smokes weed and works out is what got me into the gym. Once I tried it, an hour of cardio became no different than meditation. Working out ceased to be a chore and became a treat preceded by a little puff (of sativa, never indica). It's Pavlovian, but it works for me -- thanks to this movie.
Never ever sativa yuck 🤢
@@vidsuals9987 Oh, you couch-potato...you certainly can't exercise with indica
This is one of my favorite and most crucial films of all time. Furthermore it is a priceless piece of immortal cinema.
It really is something great!
Don't trust what everyone is saying, just because they are saying it. Kevin is a great great actor.. I won't say anything else
And The Usual Suspects, hello!
Thanks for this video! American Beauty is without a doubt one of my favorites of all time as well. Also I view this film as an inspiration on my writing. Thank you! And I can't wait for the next video...
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed! I'm making good progress on that video, I'm very happy with the way it's going!
Absolutely incredible analysis man. I just watched the film, loved it, then watched this, and loved it more. Thank you so much. Keep up the great work!
Great American Beauty video. Excited for your longer video!
Thank you! I'm looking forward to bringing it to you!
After watching this movie and your badass review, I think my brain just opened up
Spacey’s lust for a minor was closer to home than we thought
case was dropped this week - maybe we should all let courts instead of public opinion do the work?
As his brother said about him, he isn’t acting.
Easily my favourite youtube channel at the moment! Great videos on a consistent basis! Can't wait for next weeks more in-depth review.
Thanks Jez! I'm excited to bring you next week's video, still a lot of work to do, but I'm very happy with the way it is going!
This was a detailed and intelligent analysis of American Beauty! Your thoughts were precise and to the point without any unnecessary fluff. Well done
Yet another great video. You're doing some really intresting dissections Jack. Thumbs up.
Thank you! That's always my goal!
I know some other video essayists have covered it a few times, but it would be awesome to see your analysis of Drive (2011). There's so much going on in that film both thematically and on a technical level, I think there's loads of stuff you'd be able to discuss!
Saw the movie yesterday. So mad for denying myself the chance to see such phenomenal movie for so long. It's a life-altering experience, at least for me. Really puts things into perspective.
i tell people in my work about it. The younger ones - 22years old and some know it, some dont.
Your videos really deserve more views, your analyses are super insightful, and very thought provoking.
2:59 small mistake you meant low angles
Made Cinema am..no..low angles was used before to make lester look weak, after in the movie the angle changes to high/medium
This is great, solid work and really inspiring. I watched a couple of video analysis of "American Beauty", but you've managed to come up with entirely new ideas. So kudos on that. I also like your editing.
There is only on thing I think you should try to improve and that is your narration style. While you have a very good voice the way you read the text draws attention to the fact that the essay is being read. For example, you're sometimes reading to fast and important points have no time to develop in the viewer's mind. This creates a feeling of being dragged through the text. Compare your style to channels like "the Nerdwriter" and note the difference in pacing. While the essays are equally dense, he has a consistent pace and highlights important insights by articulating them like they are important. He also takes more breaks than you do. These breaks are used to highlight, separate and to draw attention to different ideas and concepts. Try taking a short break after a sentence, visualizing you we're giving a presentation. I point this out in order to help you and so the channel can grow and become bigger. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you! I'm always looking to improve! Thanks for the advice!
You're welcome. The presentation style is in itself such a minor thing but has a huge impact on the general appeal. I really feel that this channel could blow up enormously. Your movie essays are not only above average but among the best out there. The videos are packed with good ideas. So please keep up the great work!!!
You should also start a patreon account. I would definitely support your channel financially :)). Plus, may I make a suggestion for a movie review? Do "Children of Men", please. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. There are many interesting points to consider. ;)
great review once again! Will you do 'Good will hunting'? it's one of my favourite movies
Thank you! And maybe...I don't have any immediate plans to cover it, but it's a movie that I love, and would certainly be in favor of taking a look at it some day!
I think your reviews are excellent, & right on the mark. I love to tune in. Please don't stop, I am almost there. 😉
Thank you!
AMAZING! keep up the great work!
Thank you!
Great coverage! You covered a lot of stuff I also talked about in my analysis and I agree with you- it certainly is a search for freedom.
Thanks Thomas!
Much better than another commentary on American Beauty. thank you.
very nice perspective on - maybe - the greatest movie of all time. One thing i will say is - out probably all the films i have read or listened to reviews on - American Beauty tends to be cited as either 'one of the greatest movies' or 'someones all time favourite movie' or 'a significant heavyweight in their canon of movies'.
Someone please suggest me other movies that gives the same feel as american beauty
Awesome work on the perspective and review!!!!
American Beauty is my favorite film of all time. I probably haven’t seen as many movies as you, Jack...but I love films and have seen more than most. 🤷🏻♂️
I don’t consider myself a huge fan of Kevin Spacey per se...I have never even seen House of Cards- but I love American Beauty and I love Lester Burnham.
The MeToo movement may have made it politically unsavory for me to declare my love for his portrayal of Lester, and perhaps even this movie...but I don’t care and I just can’t find a fuck to give. I’m a fan of the film, and American Beauty has been my favorite since I first saw it in the theater. I still get a major case of the chills just watching the opening sequence (as I did watching your review), and I see something I’ve never noticed before every time I watch it again.
I liked and subscribed due to your impeccable taste in movies! 🍿
Great review! I recently saw This film and was really hoping you would analyze this wonderful film. Thank you so much.
Thanks Victor! Glad you enjoyed!
Damn Jack. Another great analysis of another one of my favorite movies. These are so well done!!
Thank you!
I love this movie. And I think I needed it's message right now. Thanks Jack, I think this is your best video yet.
Thank you!
thanks for your insight, one of my favourite movies ever and will become a classic. watched it few days ago after a year, its message doesn't date, I don't really care about Kevin Spacey's off screen life, his portrayal of Lester's life was brilliant. Not sure if the incorrect lyrics on American Woman,( the Guess Who were Canadian, ironically), were meant to show a deeper meaning, or just that we all sing like that sometimes, and hey, he was high, enjoying his reawakening, :))
I genuinely was blown away by the apathetic nature of this film, I think it captures something beautiful but truly tragic at the same time.
Nice analysis of a great film.. btw, the title also refers to a type of rose...
wow this analysis reminded me of what was great about this movie. thanks
God, I love this movie! Another great analysis. There is so much to discuss in this film.
Thank you!
I love this film. One thing I struggle to really understand, is the meaning of ‘Look Closer’. Would someone be able to explain to me, please?
Darn good review of an excellent movie. Well done, pal.
Just thinking about the comment on Lester and his crush on a minor.
In my opinion the minor symbolizes all the dreams and fantasies Lester wants. Youth, beauty, carelessness, passion, attention etc. Maybe he wants to turn back time? It seems like an easy escape, so he is chasing this mirage.
At the end of the movie he has his huge epiphany, almost elevates above his life, and realises how much (hidden) beauty is circling around him, by just focusing his attention differently. Thinking about it, actually it is a happy end.
So nice to hear someone say the things I've always thought about this movie :) It's also by far and away one of my fav movies of all time :)
This movie came out when i was 6, i saw it when i was 13 expecting it to be a soft-p because of the cover. But what i was about to see was the most beautiful, deepest meaningful and emotionally movie i've ever seen which turns out to be my most favorite movie til today ❤ Almost no other movie blew my mind like this...
I love the little touches in this film that I'm only just picking up on now. That photograph of the family. Of course it isn't just some cheap 35 mm spontaneous shot of the three of them dressed in dumpy clothes at some fun little event. It's this lifeless, professionally done photo shoot with forced poses and forced smiles. It's very obvious this was Carolyn's idea lol. Actually everything about that damn home is Carolyn's.
This movie speaks to me and my life and the people in my life
I have that feeling then I saw this.
I believe that this film was originally released sometime prior to all of
the trouble which later came raining down on him.
I'm not real familiar with
his case. But sex, coercion, and abuse are
indeed rife in this industry.
That being said, the feature of 'noir' cleverly and tragically woven in and throughout this movie rates it as a must watch for any behavioral science afficionado.
Five Easy pieces is one other. The Four Seasons
is another. And Midnight
Cowboy is still another.
Along with American Beauty, each of these, like American Beauty, is also about the human soul; people so desperately trying to learn who they are, and just where in this whole world they 'might' belong.
Love your videos man, keep it up
Really good interpretation, computer screen as a symbol of bars, really striking, now i know why i have never wanted to work in microsoft excel.
That's why Freedom is the only thing that is stronger than Love.
Very good video, I've just recently subscribed and all of your critics are solid!
Thank you!
Great video. Love this movie. Deserved every Oscar and then some
Just found this channel I subscribed nice, great video
Great analysis! The first time I saw this movie, I disliked it, as I really struggled to look past the plot and find a strong deeper meaning. However, as months went by and I thought about it some more/rewatched, I've come to love this movie. I think people can struggle to find the meaning in this film, which is where some of the controversy comes from.
Thanks Ethan! I'm sure that is where it comes from!
Jack's Movie Reviews this movie with themes does people follow this theme because right now it rare.
This movie shows Luster's daughter's different behavior which is matching the frequency of the young boy living next door. The female character mentioned above is a little bit confused which shows immaturity and fear and the male character do not fear. Therefore the young boy can understand the beauty of this world and start capturing it in camera. Means you have to be wierd to understand beauty and fearless to experience it. Luster's character only shows you have to look closely, more closely and more closely to get the maturity of beauty of this world. Just like when you look close and close you start thinking this life is meaningless. If you keep on thinking about money which is what Luster's wife is doing all the time then you will end up seeking happiness which just tell how lazy and dump we can become to think and watch closely. If you try to watch closely and then more closely you will start experiencing beauty ( a perfect combination of happiness and satisfaction) and then you will never regret for dying.
I’m not sure that I would take that lesson away from the plastic bag scene. Focusing on the good things and accepting life? I think it is about focusing on the good things but also about an omniscient presence. I don’t really see the theme of accepting life here.
Thank you for this.
Awesome Analysis!!!
I thought him rebelling against Corporate 90s America was enough for a applause. There's nothing wrong with being a fry cook and being able to be free. Smoke weed & regain the inner child that soul crushing jobs seeks to extinguish.
Great dissection!! I just subscribed.
Thank you!
Great film and excellent dissection..
This movie is one of my favorite because it resonates so much about what people think is going on in these picture perfect looking families and people in them, as so wonderful and perfect in there lives to anybody who sees the outside of them, but what goes on when people aren't looking behind closed doors, comepletly different story. What you have of materialistic value isn't always a true description of what they have inside themselves. Think of politicians, and Epstein types, and even the catholic church are perfect examples of what yiu thjnk and what is true dont always align. This movie shows that in a smaller window of a typical suburban family. That in a nutshell, people are sometimes comepletly fucked up and struggle to live day to day in a ever changing world. I think everybody can relate on some level to these characters.
Can you explain about goodfellas
two and a half minutes in and can I just say what a great video
i will always love the great artist kevin is
I do like this movie, and there is certainly content worth analyzing, but the video with the bag struck me as incredibly pretentious.
I can see that, I think the character himself was a little pretentious, but I feel like that's just one element of a pretty great movie.
You seem really intelligent. Great analysis!
Thank you!
I'm glad i found this video
Can u pls make subtitles in English ? It'll be lot easier to understend u, because I'm russian;)
P.S. love ur videos
I'm not sure if I can subtitle it (would take a lot of time that I'd prefer to spend on new videos) but I do have the script that I used to record it, there may be slight deviations, but it should be pretty close!
docs.google.com/document/d/1eZDl5JgtWizCXr4JQqRrlGesmcm_abDCPGeM_lWjrE4/edit?usp=sharing
Great analysis
Thank you!
Great movie, great dissection
For some reason, this movie reminds me of Catcher in the rye...
my man, these are legitimately beautiful. much better than nerdwriter imo whom is good already. these aren't superficial analysis' of the mechanics of a film, its more a philosophical and spiritual dissection. AAA shit
I appreciate that, but will defend Nerdwriter as someone who makes some of the best content on YT. His quality of content is what I strive to make.
But thank you for the kind words!
Who's kill Lester & why????
So many of the bad reviews of this movie spectacularly misunderstand the tag line “look closer.”
What's the meaning of "Look Closer"?
Alejandro Cruz Blanco it just means relook at all the stereotypes. They fit the bill but they’re more than a type. People seem to think it just means take a closer look at the girl on the poster.
Loved your analysis as much as I love this movie. But I disagree with the assertion these are bad people. They're just people. I see it as a story of hope.
i find this movie so addicting and don't see why people have a problem with it.
It really is something great!
Courses in Existentialism love this film.
It was and still is a great movie
Thanks
Good work.
Thank you!
Amazing!!
Thank you!
Lester idealizes Angela. He loves a person that doesn’t exist. Eventually he refuses to make love with Angela because he discovers she is a young girl and not the woman he created in his mind. The idealized Angela is the motivation that leads Lester to live a better life: breaking rules, chasing pleasure, trying to be a better version of himself. Definitely not a movie about pedophilia, but a modern representation of Schiller’s philosophy.
The message of this film has only deepened with the pandemic. I think millions of people are having a Lester moment right now And giving a middle finger to this corporate, materialistic, soul-crushing society that Carolyn represents.
i thought he was trapped by his wife and daughter the friend of his daughter was his short term release his real relase was him changing things 😣
Probably the best movie ever made.
a movie Shopenhauer would have liked! one of the best movies ever
if they just got someone that didn't look like a 12 yr old girl and I would have felt more comfortable watching the movie
In a way this is the ultimate MGTOW film. When Lester says he's a man who's hardly there he's not kidding. There's not one aspect of that house that's his. Home is supposed to be a man's castle and it's completely consumed by Carolyn. I love how she's immediately pissed off when he blasts music, smokes weed, And takes up the garage as his little cave because she really cannot stand to see him have any enjoyment.