There really isn't another movie like this. This is one of a kind. There are moments in this film that are just so well carried out by Spacey acting and Alan Ball's script. It's rare when moments in film honestly make you think about your own life in contrast with the film itself and it's even the most simple questions that can really make a riveting effect.
I think Angels actions in this scene were still cold. The way she said
'She think she's in love'
That's still a bitter thing, because she was bullying Janey to keep her close. Now she can't get her back and that make he feel sad. The rolling of the eyes meant she was now jealous of Janey for having him. Made evident when she said near the start.
@Bonzostar are you really trying to argue the fact that this guy was a closet case, loon, military and society looped bastard? ONE piece, 20 pieces, doesn't matter... Dude was in denial, and did this show his whole collection? No that's right they didn't. :p
American Beauty is a great film, but the last 20 minutes or so elevate it to masterpiece status. It's so amazing to see all the elements of filmmaking come together perfectly- acting, directing, writing, cinematography, music. You can't ask for anything more as a viewer.
@xBlAcKrAiN95x I believe it was the Nazi-Supremacist neighbor, who lusted for him but realized the feelings weren't returned. He (the Nazi guy) feared exposing himself as a homosexual (a lifestyle which he openly shunned).
Being an average middle aged man married 28 years with an only daughter I understand , a man gives his whole life to his family and near the end we only hear our short comings so we start looking for more out of life ... The beauty and the happiness
The red blood hitting the white wall...it seems as if just when Lester was clearing his mind and getting to a good point in his life, everything ends. Nothing can be perfect.
this is a film that entertains and offer a life visoin very positive, anti drama par excellence. It evokes the simpilcité, the natural in our modern life, and the fact that at any moment you can take or resume his life, nothing is ever finished. This is an authentic film that makes us think about us a little cloud. I suggest you really see and review this movie.
@lookingforkatieee it's a track from the original score composed by Thomas Newman… and it's a recurring theme! The soundtrack is very touching, I suggest you to buy it, download it, i mean… listen to it and let your mind run :)
When he uttered those two words, "How's Jane", it hit me like a ton of bricks. His own daughter, living under his roof, together as a family but he doesn't even know her. Has to ask the best friend about her so he can have any idea how her life is. Sadly, many parents with teenage daughters can relate. Very beautiful scene. very amazing movie.
Yeah I can see what you mean when you think it may be overrated. And the theme is stated rather strongly and presented in a way in this movie that you have to have a certain "taste" for. Almost like a dark-sadistic comedy with elements of realism. I personally found it amazing.
@Hamgammy well everyone is entitled to their own a opinion. So that's fine. But you're not alone I have a sister that doesn't like it either she told me it was crap so I never watched it until one day at my cousions I did. How I was blowin away!!
the beautiful thing about this,is that he died with that epiphany..the collective perception that all the simplicity and pettiness of his life was just that..his life..and because he existed in that life,he had the oppurtunity to experience all the beauty in it. forget all the pettiness..he just existed. and so did the people he loved.
those types of epiphanies come and then go,and many people don't get the oppurtunity to die with such a smile of contentment of their faces..such a great movie
This is my favorite part of the movie too, it's a question we hear everyday but always on a plastic level. The person asking isn't genuinely interested, it's just a saying, a greeting mostly. It's beautiful to see Lester get asked this by someone who actually cares, and who he now cares about as opposed to just having sexual desire for..and it helps him realize just how happy he is at the present..Spacey worked so well with the script and direction..such a great film...thanks for posting
There really isn't another movie like this. This is one of a kind. There are moments in this film that are just so well carried out by Spacey acting and Alan Ball's script. It's rare when moments in film honestly make you think about your own life in contrast with the film itself and it's even the most simple questions that can really make a riveting effect.
TheLeiterSide 1 month ago
I think Angels actions in this scene were still cold. The way she said
'She think she's in love'
That's still a bitter thing, because she was bullying Janey to keep her close. Now she can't get her back and that make he feel sad. The rolling of the eyes meant she was now jealous of Janey for having him. Made evident when she said near the start.
'That guy didn't even look at me once.'
Overall just one insecure little girl
timothyw98 5 months ago
The closeted, racist neighbor .. bastard. Nazi's haven't existed since the 40's. He was a racist, with a penchant for Nazi memorabilia.
strangepowder 6 months ago
@strangepowder He had ONE piece of Nazi memorabilia....
Bonzostar 6 months ago
@Bonzostar are you really trying to argue the fact that this guy was a closet case, loon, military and society looped bastard? ONE piece, 20 pieces, doesn't matter... Dude was in denial, and did this show his whole collection? No that's right they didn't. :p
strangepowder 6 months ago
For me, that one line is probably the crux of the film.
Smithereen1 6 months ago
American Beauty is a great film, but the last 20 minutes or so elevate it to masterpiece status. It's so amazing to see all the elements of filmmaking come together perfectly- acting, directing, writing, cinematography, music. You can't ask for anything more as a viewer.
eldusto84 6 months ago 5
His smile of true happiness after hearing that his daugther is in love, just made me cry.What an intense movie.
nancouli100 7 months ago
He wasn't a nazi. He was a colonel of the USMC.
lobo53695 7 months ago
I'd like to see the statistics of all suburban fathers going through what Lester did.
elvaelvirababe 9 months ago
Who killed him?
xBlAcKrAiN95x 9 months ago
@xBlAcKrAiN95x I believe it was the Nazi-Supremacist neighbor, who lusted for him but realized the feelings weren't returned. He (the Nazi guy) feared exposing himself as a homosexual (a lifestyle which he openly shunned).
dndrequiem 7 months ago
im so happy i got to fall asleep while listening to this
jadedfeelings21 11 months ago
How are YOU?
k0tberg 11 months ago 6
Almost twelve years later, still my favourite movie and by miles.
DubRighteous 1 year ago 7
Being an average middle aged man married 28 years with an only daughter I understand , a man gives his whole life to his family and near the end we only hear our short comings so we start looking for more out of life ... The beauty and the happiness
miloslost 1 year ago
I love how he chose to show Lester's murder.
The red blood hitting the white wall...it seems as if just when Lester was clearing his mind and getting to a good point in his life, everything ends. Nothing can be perfect.
So beautiful. I love this movie.
crs0831 1 year ago 5
This has been flagged as spam show
this is a film that entertains and offer a life visoin very positive, anti drama par excellence. It evokes the simpilcité, the natural in our modern life, and the fact that at any moment you can take or resume his life, nothing is ever finished. This is an authentic film that makes us think about us a little cloud. I suggest you really see and review this movie.
TouchePipi 1 year ago
god i love the song when lester is talking to angela about jane. it's so beautiful. does anyone know if its a part ofa bigger song?
lookingforkatieee 1 year ago
@lookingforkatieee it's a track from the original score composed by Thomas Newman… and it's a recurring theme! The soundtrack is very touching, I suggest you to buy it, download it, i mean… listen to it and let your mind run :)
RayOddname 1 year ago
I love this film!
SpikyAd 1 year ago
What do you guys think the purpose of Lester putting his head on her chest prior to this scene was?
DLineHero 1 year ago
this movie is just so beautiful.
heyjessij 1 year ago
this is just... the best
vonfox83 1 year ago
When he uttered those two words, "How's Jane", it hit me like a ton of bricks. His own daughter, living under his roof, together as a family but he doesn't even know her. Has to ask the best friend about her so he can have any idea how her life is. Sadly, many parents with teenage daughters can relate. Very beautiful scene. very amazing movie.
SimpleCivil 1 year ago 6
lol i think i may be the only person who didnt like this movie
i dont know why, overstylization perhaps, kinda like what he did with Revolutionary Road, i dunno i really want to like it
Hamgammy 2 years ago
I actually know lots of people who don't like this movie. You're not alone and always entitled to an opinion.
killerpiedude 2 years ago
Yeah I can see what you mean when you think it may be overrated. And the theme is stated rather strongly and presented in a way in this movie that you have to have a certain "taste" for. Almost like a dark-sadistic comedy with elements of realism. I personally found it amazing.
SquareBooth29 2 years ago
@Hamgammy well everyone is entitled to their own a opinion. So that's fine. But you're not alone I have a sister that doesn't like it either she told me it was crap so I never watched it until one day at my cousions I did. How I was blowin away!!
closecombat3 2 years ago
Absolutely spot on with your description Boswique. I was trying to find a video with JUST this scene and not the very ending.
The ending is fantastic, but this is better.
welshy238 2 years ago
Lester could nail her but he THOUGHT about a man DOING THAT to his daugther. . . GREAT HEART man lots of compasion
rubendrakkar 2 years ago 20
@rubendrakkar i would have nailed her though
najiisaac 6 months ago
@najiisaac lolz :P
420dopethrone 3 months ago
someone who shares my opinion... Brilliant movie, and beautiful, beautiful scene :)
"I'm great!"
frompt 2 years ago 3
I agree. These last segment is awesome. The whole movie was awesome. I was deeply moved at the end.
bobbytmathew 2 years ago
I love this scene, its so honest.
Thanks for posting mate
joetheanglo 2 years ago 4
the beautiful thing about this,is that he died with that epiphany..the collective perception that all the simplicity and pettiness of his life was just that..his life..and because he existed in that life,he had the oppurtunity to experience all the beauty in it. forget all the pettiness..he just existed. and so did the people he loved.
those types of epiphanies come and then go,and many people don't get the oppurtunity to die with such a smile of contentment of their faces..such a great movie
itzahazylife 2 years ago 4
This is my favorite part of the movie too, it's a question we hear everyday but always on a plastic level. The person asking isn't genuinely interested, it's just a saying, a greeting mostly. It's beautiful to see Lester get asked this by someone who actually cares, and who he now cares about as opposed to just having sexual desire for..and it helps him realize just how happy he is at the present..Spacey worked so well with the script and direction..such a great film...thanks for posting
davedewolfe1988 3 years ago 45