The 1999 film American Beauty
The 1999 film American Beauty is a black comedy-drama directed by Sam Mendes in his directorial debut. It stars Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham, a mid-life crisis man with a romantic interest in his teenage daughter's best friend, Mena Suvari. Despite the movie's bleak plot, it's a fun, entertaining watch.
Sam Mendes' debut film
After winning an Academy Award for his directing debut, Sam Mendes is already in the conversation for the next big thing. He's a renowned director who was born in Berkshire, England, and has been acting and directing since childhood. During his formative years, he studied English at Peterhouse, a private school in Cambridge, before joining the Donmar Warehouse, a theatre that typified London's vibrant 90s theatre scene. The director is known for his dark interpretations of popular musicals. His previous film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was a dark reinterpretation of the classic children's musical.
As a filmmaker, Sam Mendes has a history of tackling social and political issues
Before directing a feature film, he worked on a series of short films and stage productions. He has also directed the Cabaret revival, starring Nicole Kidman. Now, he's made the leap to the big screen with his debut film, American Beauty. The film explores the darker side of the American family and the nature of beauty in a society obsessed with outward appearance. Kevin Spacey stars as Lester Burnham, a man suffering from a midlife crisis.
Thora Birch
Thora Birch has had a fascinating career in front of the camera. She first starred in a small role in the movie Purple People Eater when she was just six years old. By the time she was eight, she had already appeared in two TV commercials. She became famous as the daughter of Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, and Carolyn Burnham, played by Annette Bening. After two years of acting on television, Thora Birch was cast in the major role in American Beauty. The film became a hit and won five Oscars.
Birch had a very interesting family history
Both her parents had been porn actors. Her father, Jack, was very involved in her career, and he insisted on being present during the sex scenes in the movie. In addition, Jack Birch had to give his consent to a key scene in American Beauty.
Wes Bentley
Wes Bentley has a long list of recurring roles on TV. He has played Edward Mordrake in American Horror Story and detective John Lowe in Hotel. He also plays Dylan in Roanoke, the love interest of Elizabeth. He is an award-winning actor and has appeared on numerous shows, including The West Wing, The X-Files, and Sexy Betty.
During the late 1990s, Wes Bentley was virtually unknown
But his performance in "American Beauty" brought him national attention. Bentley has a supernatural stillness on screen that makes him seem almost unreal. The movie won several Academy Awards and received a great deal of media attention. He has since gone on to star in other films, including the Broadway play "Venus in Fur" and "The Hunger Games".
Mena Suvari
Mena Suvari is an American actress, fashion designer, and producer. She has been active in the entertainment industry for over a decade and has a diverse range of talents. She began her career as a model and was a guest star on numerous television shows. In 1997, she made her film debut with the drama Nowhere.
As a child, Suvari was sexually abused by a friend of her older brother
As a teen, she struggled with feelings of shame and worthlessness. As a result, she took up drinking and dabbled in drugs to help her cope. At age 20, Suvari broke free of an abusive relationship. Today, Suvari is a model, producer, and actress and a mother of one.
Allison Janney
Allison Janney is an American actress best known for her roles in The Help and The West Wing. She has also appeared on Broadway in Present Laughter and nine to five. She is also an advocate for women's rights and has been recognized by the White House for her recovery from addiction. However, her rise to fame is not without its ups and downs.
Born in Boston, Janney grew up in Dayton, Ohio
After graduating from Kenyon College, she was offered a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She then starred on the television show As the World Turns, where she played the role of Vi Kaminski. She then went on to star in the show Guiding Light as Ginger. She also appeared in the season finale of Law & Order. She was also a cast member on A Prairie Home Companion.
