My Favorite Movies

dark comedy drama starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Chris Cooper, Wes Bentley, Thora Burch and Mena Suvari. cinematography by Conrad L. Hall. written by Alan Ball. directed by Sam Mendes.

Lester Burnham (Spacey) is not very different from most men. he's in a sexless marriage with a woman (Bening) he doesnt even recognize anymore, has a teenage daughter (Birch) with whom he barely speaks to and has a job which he hates. after meeting his daughter's friend (Suvari), whom he develops an attraction for, he decides to start making changes and live the life that he wants. changes that affect not only him, but those around him.

the combination of the spectacular cinematography of Conrad L. Hall and the direction of Sam Mendes bring to life Alan Ball's wonderfully penned script, making it an instant classic. Ball without a doubt captured the desperation and monotony of the everyday life of average suburbia flawlessly.

the entire cast all deliver great performances, but it is Kevin Spacey's performance that is once again incredible. had the character of Lester Burnham been portrayed by anyone else, he would have seemed creepy and pathetic. but Spacey manages to make the viewer empathize and cheer Lester on, as he makes the drastic changes in his life that ultimately lead to the shocking, albeit poetic, ending.

this movie is one of my favorites for a reason. it truly is a phenomenal film. ♥

great script by Andrew Kevin Walker. insanely unique and dark cinematography by Darius Khondji. awesome performances by Freeman, Paltrow, Pitt and Spacey. and of course, the direction of Fincher is pure perfection.

one of my all-time faves. love it! ♥

** review to be continued **