American Beauty (1999)

A sexually frustrated suburban father has a mid-life crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter's best friend.

Perfectly executed satire on the American Way of Life which appears to say more profound things about existence than it actually does; works best seen as a black comedy.

Halliwell****: "A terrific, biting comedy about a man dealing, in an adolescent way, with a midlife crisis and the aridities of the life he and those around him are living; it manages not only to expose the inanities of a conformist society, but also to suggest an alternative, in the small pleasures that existence affords. There is not a false note in either the acting or the direction."

Maltin***1/2: "Exceptional and original look at the American Dream gone sour...Amusing, bittersweet, and insightful script by Alan Ball is perfectly realized by a superb cast and first-time film director."