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Summary Provoked by forbidden passions, Lester Burnham (Spacey) decides to make a few changes in his rut of a life, changes that are less midlife crisis than adolescence reborn. The freer he gets, the happier he gets, which is even more maddening to his wife, Carolyn (Bening), and daughter Jane (Birch) --especially when he turns his lustful gaze...

Directed By: Sam Mendes

Written By: Alan Ball

American Beauty
Metascore Universal Acclaim Based on 34 Critic Reviews
must-see
84
User Score Universal Acclaim Based on 1,114 User Ratings
8.9
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary Provoked by forbidden passions, Lester Burnham (Spacey) decides to make a few changes in his rut of a life, changes that are less midlife crisis than adolescence reborn. The freer he gets, the happier he gets, which is even more maddening to his wife, Carolyn (Bening), and daughter Jane (Birch) --especially when he turns his lustful gaze...

Directed By: Sam Mendes

Written By: Alan Ball

Where to Watch

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 34 Critic Reviews
84
88% Positive
30 Reviews
9% Mixed
3 Reviews
3% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

View All
Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 34 Critic Reviews
84
88% Positive
30 Reviews
9% Mixed
3 Reviews
3% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

User Reviews

View All
User Score
Universal Acclaim Based on 1,114 User Ratings
8.9
93% Positive
1041 Ratings
3% Mixed
34 Ratings
4% Negative
39 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

User Reviews

View All
User Score
Universal Acclaim Based on 1,114 User Ratings
8.9
93% Positive
1041 Ratings
3% Mixed
34 Ratings
4% Negative
39 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Details

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Production Company Dreamworks Pictures, Jinks/Cohen Company
Release Date Sep 15, 1999
Duration 2 h 2 m
Rating R
Genres
Tagline ... look closer
Academy Awards, USA
• 5 Wins & 8 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 3 Wins & 6 Nominations
Online Film & Television Association
• 10 Wins & 18 Nominations