FILMMAKER MOVIE REACTION!! American Beauty (1999) FIRST TIME REACTION!!

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  • čas přidán 3. 01. 2021
  • Hope you enjoy my filmmaker reaction to American Beauty. :D
    Full length reactions & Patreon only polls: / jamesvscinema
    Original Movie: American Beauty (1999)
    Ending Song: / charleycoin
    Follow Me:
    Instagram: / jamesadamsiii
    Twitter: / jamesadamsiii
    Website: www.senpaishots.com/
    *Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.
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Komentáře • 724

  • @JamesVSCinema
    @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +71

    Do you think this movie could be made today without being cancelled?
    Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema
    CITY OF GOD FIRST TIME WATCHING will be uploaded Wednesday! Enjoy the day!

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +7

      (TAKE NOTE: There was a loooooot of copyright music that needed to be muted!)

    • @benjaminhuntergreen7142
      @benjaminhuntergreen7142 Před 3 lety +11

      City of God is a masterpiece

    • @Luvie1980
      @Luvie1980 Před 3 lety +4

      With all that has gone on with Kevin Spacey; I don’t think this movie could be made today. Just look at the backlash Cuties has gotten. Rightfully so but some of these issues need to be addressed and dealt with.

    • @JimmyMcTrill
      @JimmyMcTrill Před 3 lety +5

      So hype for City of God, that’s by far my number 1 non English language movie, probably in my top 10 all time
      Edit: actually I forgot about Parasite, guess it’s tied for my favorite non English movie lmao

    • @torgogorgo1888
      @torgogorgo1888 Před 3 lety +2

      after you mentioned No Country For Old Men a few times in your Fargo video (which was fantastic), I saw it again for the first time since I saw it in theatres. Loved it again and would be very interested in seeing you cover it one day! Cheers!

  • @becksimilian2955
    @becksimilian2955 Před 3 lety +131

    I love how Jane starts insecure in the beginning, wearing lots of makeup... as she becomes more confident she needs less and less

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +29

      Exactly!! And it’s done so in a way that isn’t forced but beautifully organic within the story.

    • @ThisBlackFreeSpeeDeemedHarmful
      @ThisBlackFreeSpeeDeemedHarmful Před 3 lety +4

      That's a good call out that I'm glad a woman said. If a dude said it it could come off like that insecure con "Women should wear less makeup" shit

    • @1Cheytown
      @1Cheytown Před rokem

      That was actually done on purpose to show Angela and Jane's perspectives of each other changed over the course of the movie.

  • @TheHistoricalMan
    @TheHistoricalMan Před 3 lety +266

    The way Chris Cooper's character breaks down after hitting his son is so heartbreaking to me. He's crying not because he's horrified at the fact he thinks his son is gay, but because he thinks his son will have to go through the same lifelong pain of having to hide who he is and suppress his inner feelings. It's a truly tragic character and shows how people can end up locked in a cycle of bigotry which not only hurts others, but can lead people to live a life of self-inflicted torture. Cooper's character ends up killing Spacey because Spacey knows the truth about him.

  • @donaldrack
    @donaldrack Před 3 lety +59

    This movie brought Steven Spielberg to tears the first time he screened it.

  • @BrandonBames
    @BrandonBames Před 3 lety +154

    A “perfect” film doesn’t exist. That being said, this is another one that inspired me to pick up a camera. GREAT watch James!!!

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +15

      Much love Brandon!

    • @BrandonBames
      @BrandonBames Před 3 lety

      @@jodynelson2055 Shane Black is THE man!

    • @BrandonBames
      @BrandonBames Před 3 lety

      @Thurman Merman but doesn’t that >1% indicate imperfection? Also, should I fix you some sandwiches?

    • @issi529
      @issi529 Před 3 lety

      @Thurman Merman Yeah, let alone movies in general. They are very subjective. Some people are still taking it for some reason personal.

    • @udonsei5216
      @udonsei5216 Před 3 lety +1

      @Thurman Merman You could almost say the possibility of disliking it is... inconceivable.

  • @susanmaggiora4800
    @susanmaggiora4800 Před 3 lety +82

    I love this movie. I remember seeing it with my girlfriend. We left the theater & drove all the way home without saying a word, just thinking about that film..

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +11

      Sounds like an impactful experience 🙏🏽

    • @deemms5187
      @deemms5187 Před 2 lety +1

      You mean u were thinking about the wannabe model and she was dreaming about kevin spacey? (Even tho she'd later find out she'd be barkin up the wrong tree) lol jfwu dude

    • @a.j.1819
      @a.j.1819 Před 2 lety +4

      @@deemms5187 I don’t know if you can read but the comment has a female name. Lesbians.

  • @somniumrabidum
    @somniumrabidum Před 3 lety +135

    That cringe when Lester introduces himself to the cheerleader friend LMAO!!

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +30

      My back exploded lmfaoo

    • @llothar68
      @llothar68 Před 3 lety +11

      The original screenplay wrote that he fucked her in the end and was caught by his daughter, thats why her emotions in the end were so low after his death. But they rewrote it for being to disturbing to morale america.

    • @WARdROBEPlaysWWII
      @WARdROBEPlaysWWII Před 3 lety +2

      Awesome

    • @sentryward8744
      @sentryward8744 Před 3 lety +4

      its so cringe that he use the "friend of your, friend of mine" line
      the first time watch it I was like "dude, stfu. Its not helping"

    • @realSimoneCherie
      @realSimoneCherie Před 2 lety

      @@llothar68 it was better without it. Lester lusting after a kid was an extension of him lusting after his own youth - futile. We can’t go backwards.

  • @alexa.english174
    @alexa.english174 Před 3 lety +58

    The letter scene to his boss is something all of us wanted to do at some point in our lives.

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +10

      Hahaha it reminded me of that one scene from WANTED.

    • @antimatter2380
      @antimatter2380 Před 3 lety +5

      @@JamesVSCinema reminds me of Jacks departure from his job in Fight Club

  • @dfa3366
    @dfa3366 Před 3 lety +33

    This was Sam Mendes first film. Spielberg hired him as an unknown director. He was a theatre director in the West End. It’s impressive how layered this movie is. You would think a movie like this a seasoned director like Paul Thomas Anderson or Robert Altman. Great reaction.

  • @phj223
    @phj223 Před 3 lety +207

    I'm really fortunate to have seen most if not all of Kevin Spacey's classic performances before the whole scandal blew up. I can still separate the actor (and he is a great one) from the person, but if I was watching a new movie by him it would be a lot harder I think.

    • @RagingRaven88
      @RagingRaven88 Před 3 lety +20

      That's a great way to look at it. Taking the person out of the performance.

    • @danwilliams2551
      @danwilliams2551 Před 3 lety +18

      Yeah I try to enjoy peformances anyway, but then you watch this and we get a scene of him trying to get with a teen girl, and at that point, how do you not think about it?

    • @phj223
      @phj223 Před 3 lety +7

      @@danwilliams2551 That's what I meant about being fortunate that I first saw this movie when it came out, about two decades ago, way before there was ever a hint of any scandalous behaviour by the actor. The scenes were already cringe-worthy then, just due to the subject matter with a middle aged guy wanting to bang his teenage daughter's friend (*). If I had watched the movie for the first time today, I don't think I would be able to look past the allegations made towards the actor.
      (*) that's a whole other issue, maybe worth getting into at some point
      or just sweep under the rug, fine with me

    • @Loonaticx
      @Loonaticx Před 3 lety +1

      What you're basically saying is akin to "separating art from the artist."

    • @BrandonBames
      @BrandonBames Před 3 lety +3

      He will NEVER take Glengarry Glen Ross from me.

  • @themovieguysam2590
    @themovieguysam2590 Před 3 lety +274

    Kevin Spacey gawks over teenagers... he was also in American Beauty

  • @mrj7344
    @mrj7344 Před 3 lety +179

    This channel is soo underrated

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +25

      Made me smile, thank you!

    • @susanmaggiora4800
      @susanmaggiora4800 Před 3 lety +7

      MR J Totally agree. Including James, there are two (maybe three) great reaction channels.
      The rest are just people with cameras, watching movies.

    • @kwil7348
      @kwil7348 Před 3 lety +7

      Agreed! This and Brandon Likes Movies are GREAT!!

    • @toowarmtoohot
      @toowarmtoohot Před 3 lety +1

      @@JamesVSCinema i don't quite know how to say it, but you've hit on a few different things in your videos. I don't subscribe a lot when it comes to reactions, but I have subscribed to yours. I guess this is a spot where I can thank you, specifically.

    • @samuelmorkbednarzkepler
      @samuelmorkbednarzkepler Před 3 lety

      This rate is so channeled

  • @paulatredies9242
    @paulatredies9242 Před 3 lety +28

    I love Ricky’s character so much in this film. Also, another character I would have liked to see more of was his mom, wow. She seemed lost, swallowed and trapped. Great movie

  • @mortgagesdemystified
    @mortgagesdemystified Před 3 lety +58

    A lot of great movies in 1999 that revolve around the misery of mundane workplace. Would highly recommend Fight Club, another good one

    • @UxCANxDOxIT
      @UxCANxDOxIT Před 3 lety +8

      Office Space, The Matrix..

    • @voodoolilium
      @voodoolilium Před 3 lety +3

      America pre-9/11 was such a different place. What I wouldn't give for being bored at work to be my biggest concern in life lol

    • @Hera4
      @Hera4 Před 3 lety

      and Office space

  • @nomisnestral6956
    @nomisnestral6956 Před 3 lety +18

    "Cringing very hard right now" should be this film's tagline.

  • @styot
    @styot Před 3 lety +33

    "A Kevin Spacey movie with no mystery, crime or murder." Well we're not off to the best start. 😂

    • @skyrimsniper
      @skyrimsniper Před 3 lety +1

      Nice profile picture. Opeth! 🤘

    • @alyssaallan8833
      @alyssaallan8833 Před 3 lety +1

      I cringed so hard when he said "mystery" & "romance" lmao. Love this channel!

    • @katwebbxo
      @katwebbxo Před 3 lety

      Ikr 💀

  • @erakfishfishfish
    @erakfishfishfish Před 3 lety +7

    A thought on the significance of the rose petals and Mena Suvari’s character: the first time we see Annette Benings’s character, she’s trimming roses, so I think the rose petals signify what he once felt and lost for his wife.

  • @MrChopstsicks
    @MrChopstsicks Před 3 lety +17

    “Closed minded people” I smiled and can’t wait for the end. Haha
    The flowers are called American Beauty.

  • @Charlie_Wolfe
    @Charlie_Wolfe Před 3 lety +18

    One of the best movies ever
    I remember reading that if you notice Jane wears a lot of makeup at the beginning of the movie, but as her confidence and self worth grows she wears less and less. I the exact opposite for Angela as she becomes more and more insecure she wears more and more make up

  • @zombiesingularity
    @zombiesingularity Před 3 lety +55

    I think the rose petals simply visually cue the viewer into what's fantasy vs what's reality.

    • @bekind3931
      @bekind3931 Před 3 lety +4

      Could also signify a woman in bloom - in reality, in his fantasy or both.

    • @fishhyyy
      @fishhyyy Před 3 lety +9

      This is just my interpretation but just like how suburban life can be a facade for a “perfect life” or “American beauty”, roses too are used as a tired cliche to exemplify what is considered beautiful.

    • @MrParkerman6
      @MrParkerman6 Před 3 lety +1

      Wrong, dumbasses. American Beauty Roses were chosen, cuz Roses are Beautiful, but hide Thorns. Goes along with the theme of the film that things aren't always what they seem.

    • @FightingTorque411
      @FightingTorque411 Před 2 lety

      @@MrParkerman6 They could all be right as well as you, you know.

    • @nmer5023
      @nmer5023 Před 2 lety +2

      I don't know what they symbolise but I'm certain the wife at the start tending to her roses has something to do with it

  • @ThisBlackFreeSpeeDeemedHarmful

    It's one of those movies where every shot means something. When you watch the commentary, you notice just the care and the thought that real filmmakers put into their work.

  • @RictorIAG
    @RictorIAG Před 3 lety +55

    I compare this movie to Fight Club. They're both about self-actualization. One through violence, another through lust. I saw this film multiple times in the theaters when it originally came out and it's the only movie I know that made me feel good about a character's death that we were rooting for. He died at his peak moment of happiness. And not in a way that ruined that happiness. And that gets me every time.

  • @strawdawgs78
    @strawdawgs78 Před 3 lety +5

    That awkward moment when you re-watch American Beauty about twenty years later and realize you've become Lester Burnham.

  • @MikeDunn19
    @MikeDunn19 Před 3 lety +20

    This film legit changed my outlook on life, and I'm so glad you have introduced yourself to it. Lester's final speech and Carolyn crying in the closet with his clothes breaks me every time. I haven't revisited it since the Spacey allegations came out, and I don't know whether I can, but I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much :)
    Can't wait to see you react to City of God - Lil Ze is a madman! :D

  • @DumblyDorr
    @DumblyDorr Před 3 lety +6

    The character played by Mena Suvari isn't a demon - she's an insecure teenager who compensates by focusing on a very unhealthy kind of external validation - but that happens - and it's the adult's job to know better :)

  • @angellopez3202
    @angellopez3202 Před 3 lety +55

    James: It'll be interesting to see Kevin Spacey in a movie without any killing
    Kevin Spacey: I'm about to prove this man wrong!
    😂

  • @qwi2311
    @qwi2311 Před 3 lety +39

    It’s a remix of mid life crisis and Lolita, a story that has been made into so many different movies. It’s a universally recognizable story that exists across all cultures.

    • @MrParkerman6
      @MrParkerman6 Před 3 lety +8

      The name Lester Burnham is an Anagram for "Humbert Learns".

  • @grantterlecky1248
    @grantterlecky1248 Před 3 lety +31

    Huge snub not nominating Chris Cooper for supporting actor

    • @erakfishfishfish
      @erakfishfishfish Před 3 lety

      Can’t feel too bad for him-he won 3 years later for Adaptation.
      Question: who would he have replaced in that category? 1999’s nominees were Haley Joel Osment (Sixth Sense), Tom Cruise (Magnolia), Jude Law (Talented Mr Ripley), Michael Caine (Cider House Rules, WINNER), Michael Clarke Duncan (Green Mile)
      I honestly couldn’t say since I haven’t seen Cider House or Mr Ripley.

  • @michaelbastraw1493
    @michaelbastraw1493 Před 3 lety +17

    Exquisite cinematography does not happen by chance. I'm grateful that Sam Mendes found Conrad Hall before the end. Best. Leo.

  • @BoiSadd
    @BoiSadd Před 3 lety +10

    this movie really showed me the beauty behind everything, including film itself

  • @makemarker
    @makemarker Před rokem +4

    Although it's creepy, I love how they accentuated Spacey's age when he was fantasizing about Angela during the cheerleaders dance choreography. He wasn't that old 20+ years ago but by zooming in on the lines of his face and making everything dark around him, they made him look like a pervy grandpa.
    Genius directing and filmmaking in general..

  • @danhelphrey6260
    @danhelphrey6260 Před 3 lety +19

    Re: the Roses - "American Beauty" is a variety of rose.

  • @MrParkerman6
    @MrParkerman6 Před 3 lety +6

    "It's interesting to see him in a movie that isn't-um... that doesn't have to do with any killing, mystery, crime or Fighting".
    Boy were you wrong on Every Single point there!!!! This movie literally has all those points.

  • @SideshowBob44
    @SideshowBob44 Před 3 lety +82

    You should watch Parasite and Birdman if you like good film making.

  • @Alyzvettema
    @Alyzvettema Před rokem +3

    I always cry at the end. It's a gorgeous moving beauitful movie with dark overtones. It's American beauty. The whole script and screen play and the way it comes out in the cinematography. Stunning movie all the way around

  • @knightyknight4837
    @knightyknight4837 Před 3 lety +3

    I like to think the movie exposes what a "Happy" lifestyle in America really can be like. Everyone's drive was always driven by Superficiality on the outside, But look further and you see the problems hidden by a society that looks as those problems as weakness.

  • @katwebbxo
    @katwebbxo Před 3 lety +16

    Love this movie. Regardless of Kevin Spacey being a creep in real life, I think the acting, dark humor and dialogue is amazing. I've shown it to many people who judged it from the beginning and ended up loving it. 💕

  • @soggyfish1551
    @soggyfish1551 Před 3 lety +8

    Beautiful movie, first time i watched this i was obsessed and couldn't stop watching it. Such a relatable character.

  • @sodem2810
    @sodem2810 Před 3 lety +12

    I’m so glad you mentioned how good the soundtrack is. I picked the cd up whilst in holiday in America as it wasn’t available in the uk. Still one of my favourite soundtracks.

  • @fredskull1618
    @fredskull1618 Před 3 lety +10

    This movie definitely inspired the first wave of “Prestige TV” shows. Makes sense since the writer Alan Ball created Six Feet Under and True Blood. I remember seeing this movie in the theater and feeling like it was going to be a real game changer.

  • @katwebbxo
    @katwebbxo Před 3 lety +5

    "No killing" and "romance drama" has me sitting here like 😳💀

  • @TraceVandal
    @TraceVandal Před 3 lety +19

    To your point, Donnie Darko also has a great family dinner scene.

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +1

      Yup!!

    • @TraceVandal
      @TraceVandal Před 3 lety +2

      @@JamesVSCinema And I always get the creep camera dude and Jake Gyllenhaal confused.

    • @cockoffgewgle4993
      @cockoffgewgle4993 Před 3 lety +1

      Texas Chainsaw Massacre has a nice one as well

  • @kJ922-h3j
    @kJ922-h3j Před 3 lety +50

    Gotta do ‘Layer Cake”, Mathew Vaughn directed, who was Guy Ritchies producer and I believe did the kingsman films and Kick Ass

    • @exquisitelemonade3039
      @exquisitelemonade3039 Před 3 lety +1

      Daniel Craig basically gets the James Bond gig too.

    • @kJ922-h3j
      @kJ922-h3j Před 3 lety +2

      @@exquisitelemonade3039 yeah. Sienna Miller in it too😍

    • @RealmDesigner
      @RealmDesigner Před 3 lety +2

      Yeah, L4yer Cake is great. Another British film that I love is Sweet Sixteen, a Brilliant Scottish film.

    • @pollystye3270
      @pollystye3270 Před 3 lety

      Yessssss

    • @andrewmueller3391
      @andrewmueller3391 Před 3 lety +1

      I agree, James liked the Guy Ritchie films, he'd love Layer Cake, which feels like a more sophisticated Guy Ritchie film.

  • @Unicornwithaninja
    @Unicornwithaninja Před 3 lety +8

    American Beauty is my FAVORITE movie of all time ! I've been waiting for someone on youtube to react to it :)

    • @energeez
      @energeez Před 2 lety

      me tooo

    • @cucublueberry8078
      @cucublueberry8078 Před 2 lety

      Considering what a good movie it is (I think it's a classic), it's really strange how few reactions there are here.

  • @mithroch
    @mithroch Před 3 lety +5

    Kevin Spacey is so damn brilliant. It's too bad he will likely never work again.

  • @FreedomAtRisk
    @FreedomAtRisk Před 3 lety +6

    I’m 37. This, Usual Suspects and The Matrix really shaped my perspective back then.

  • @sherrysink3177
    @sherrysink3177 Před 3 lety +6

    I remember seeing this in the theatre, and what you said about your spine and how you felt during all the scenes where Lester was hitting on his daughter's friend was spot on... that was literally how I was in the theatre. I remember shrinking down into my seat, further and further, like I couldn't pull away far enough from what was happening. That's how disturbing it was.
    It's such an amazing movie, though. It really stuck with me because it was so vivid and disturbing and thought-provoking. And I wonder if liking it is a generational thing, like you might have to be at a certain age when you see it? Because my parents HATED the movie, lol, while my sister and I thought it was phenomenal and artistic. I think my parents couldn't get past the disturbing part and see the film as a whole. While I saw it as a huge commentary on society and how people put up fronts and are afraid to let go and truly be themselves (or aren't even sure who that is), and how in the end all we want is to be SEEN and HEARD and LOVED. That's so powerful.

  • @oktober-vh6gl
    @oktober-vh6gl Před 10 měsíci +3

    originally, this story starts in a courtroom, with Ricky and Jane on trial for Lester's death. go back and watch again with that in mind. she outwardly doesn't like her parents... he's a confirmed "weirdo" that was in a mental institution... they have the handycam video of them joking about killing Lester, etc. It gives the movie a completely different feel looking at it through that lens. Not sure why that cut that part of the story out of the movie. there's lot's of subliminal messages as well. the dvd director's commentary explained that if you go back and look, most all of Lester's first scenes show him behind bars, a parallel for the life he's trapped in. He's behind the front window, then the shower, then reflected in the computer screen which has vertical text like bars, and then when he's first in Brad's office... Brad is shot from an up angle with the desk and all while Lester is filmed from a down angle, isolated out in the middle of the room all by himself. The movie is really, really genius... especially for a 1st time director. the music and lighting are both really great as well.

  • @andyt1313
    @andyt1313 Před 3 lety +6

    One of my fav films. The soundtrack is so minimalist and beautiful. As the saying goes sometimes less is more. The plastic bag part of the score is mesmerizing.

  • @realSimoneCherie
    @realSimoneCherie Před 2 lety +2

    The roses represents desire. Carolyn had roses in the first clip when she obsessing over her hedges (her upper middle class status). Lester sees them covering Angela (who represents the free, empowered young person he used to be). They appear when we see what the character wants most. Funny thing is roses are so beautiful to look at - but cheap af. They wither fast, and actually smell. So basically Beauty ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. Maybe idk.

    • @JH-lo9ut
      @JH-lo9ut Před 2 lety

      Isn't "American Beauty" also the name of that variety of rose? So perfect it looks fake...

  • @sventharfatman
    @sventharfatman Před 3 lety +10

    Annette Bening was really great in this movie and I feel like people overlook her

  • @tubularap
    @tubularap Před 2 lety +8

    I like your cinematic eye and interest. This movie was just such a revelation at the end of the dull nineteen-nineties.
    Enjoying some first reactions by you, and have seen in your catalogue you've done The Big Lebowski and Barry Lyndon too. Looking forward to those.

  • @aileenma7518
    @aileenma7518 Před 3 lety +5

    One of my favourite movie soundtracks! Thomas Newman makes magical music, almost gentle. Great movie as well, used to be my favourite as a teenager. Should give it a rewatch now

  • @bexc348
    @bexc348 Před 3 lety +3

    Thomas Newman is such a great composer, he also did 1917 and Shawshank

  • @lewismaddox4132
    @lewismaddox4132 Před 3 lety +12

    This movie deftly juxtaposed the beautiful with the skeevy. Extraordinary!

  • @bkenwood88
    @bkenwood88 Před 3 lety +18

    "A sexual harassment charge? Against who?" Against YOU, Kevin!"

  • @choney1168
    @choney1168 Před 3 lety +52

    The perfect film for me is the Pianist, we’re just gonna ignore who the director is though 😖

    • @iamalos
      @iamalos Před 3 lety +2

      Why do we have to ignore its director?

    • @glennthompson1173
      @glennthompson1173 Před 3 lety

      Great Movie. I still like Roman.

    • @angel-xi6ie
      @angel-xi6ie Před 3 lety +15

      @@iamalos roman polanski isn’t the best guy

  • @choney1168
    @choney1168 Před 3 lety +8

    That is so true what you said about the dinner table scenes. I remember seeing the dinner table scene in “The Strange Things About the Johnson’s” and it really showed the dynamic between the family. The son was envious of them mother, the father was disturbed, the mother was passive and the wife was very clueless. That scene summed up their character so well.

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +2

      Exactly! Hence why so many movies have them!

    • @chrisjfox8715
      @chrisjfox8715 Před 3 lety

      The dinner scene in "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" is an incredibly sharp example of what James was talking about too - informing character dynamics. One of the most memorable I've seen. The breakfast table scene(s) in Phantom Thread are especially important too.

  • @QuayNemSorr
    @QuayNemSorr Před 3 lety +2

    "You have no idea what I'm talking about I'm sure, but don't worry, you will someday...."
    Amazing comment for the viewer to end on.

  • @randallmccoy8581
    @randallmccoy8581 Před rokem +1

    I was amazed with this story when I first saw this because it was such a constant surprise, heading off in several directions I could not have anticipated, and yet, as the movie progressed, you could see how each scene perfectly pushed the story and the characters along a very plausible trajectory in a most organic and un rushed way. Nothing about this movie felt forced or phony. There is a genuine-ness to this movie that really shines thru. Fantastic film making.

  • @MickeyValenz
    @MickeyValenz Před 2 lety +2

    I was too immature / young when I first watched this and couldn't fully appreciate it. I think I was too shocked to fully grasp everything I was seeing. But then I revisited it when I was older and I "got it". This film has such a great style, I love the music and the use of colour red throughout the movie.

  • @sicnh4274
    @sicnh4274 Před 3 lety +3

    I've been waiting for you to do this one. I loved how when Ricky was talking about the bag and the beauty in the world he mentioned his heart felt like it would implode, where as Kevin Spacey's said he felt that his heart would explode.

  • @lukewilson7769
    @lukewilson7769 Před 3 lety +3

    The guy who wrote this movie (Alan Ball) created the show Six Feet Under. That show is FULL of gorgeous dialogue and storytelling. Also very dark

    • @erakfishfishfish
      @erakfishfishfish Před 3 lety

      Also the first film directed by Sam Mendes, who has had a strong and varied directorial career.

  • @YepItsMeLily
    @YepItsMeLily Před 3 lety +20

    so happy you finally reacted to this one! i know everyone has to get their little jokes out and i understand there were parts that made you uncomfortable but i’m just glad you understand and appreciate the art for what it is because this movie is pretty fucking ‘spec-tacularrrr’ 🌹 it’s kind of a comfort movie to me in a way, i’ve watched it so many times and it never gets old, it just makes me feel some type of way idk it’s just really beautiful! how did you find the second watch as you were editing without the camera on? did you appreciate it even more?

    • @heidi_d
      @heidi_d Před 2 lety

      Yeah, it was uncomfortable when it came out. That was a big part of it, even before all the Spacey stuff came out.

  • @MichaelPlatson
    @MichaelPlatson Před 3 lety +20

    "Is this how he dies?"
    Yell, Yes and also No ... but mostly Yes.

    • @deadso
      @deadso Před 3 lety +1

      YES NO MOSTLY YES. I yelled it, there ya go ;)

  • @RagingRaven88
    @RagingRaven88 Před 3 lety +137

    Kevin Spacey having an inappropriate relationship with a minor. Actors have such range.

    • @chrisyarbrough3806
      @chrisyarbrough3806 Před 3 lety +48

      A pioneer in method acting

    • @llothar68
      @llothar68 Před 3 lety +18

      He had work hard on his character to get the emotions ... because it was a girl.

    • @kiarasp8190
      @kiarasp8190 Před 3 lety +11

      ​@@joaosantos5503 i'm not saying he did it, but the allegations were 11 if i remember correctly at the time, and 2 more in september 2020

    • @TheICEgirl6100
      @TheICEgirl6100 Před 3 lety +8

      @@joaosantos5503 there were multiple allegations. do you ignore all crimes if they're older than 10 years?

    • @pulpficti
      @pulpficti Před 3 lety +13

      @@joaosantos5503 settling out of court is the norm in cases involving rape or sexual harassment and it's not because they are fake. It's really fucking hard to proof rape if the victim doesn't immediately go to a clinic or police because it mostly just involves 2 people and rarely any witnesseses. And most victims are understandably shocked and traumatized and shamed so the last thing they wanna do is go to the police. That's one reason why if someone gets publicly accused other victims feel encouraged to come forward

  • @mawtymawty9010
    @mawtymawty9010 Před rokem +3

    American Beauty is also a type of rose artificially cultivated to appear as beautiful as possible

  • @steved1135
    @steved1135 Před 3 lety +2

    Glad you did this one. I watch this flick at least once a year. Amazing how emotion can be conveyed by filmmaking, and this is a fine example of that.

  • @Bfdidc
    @Bfdidc Před 3 lety +1

    I can't believe this movie is almost 22-years-old now. I enjoyed the film analysis here, James. You have a good eye. Despite his personal demons, Spacey has always greatly impressed me as an actor.

  • @pokeygorilla9368
    @pokeygorilla9368 Před 3 lety +2

    Thanks, you're the only person who's reacted to this movie. Its my favorite. When I first saw this it hit me like a dump truck. Like holy shit I get it. The deepest moment from a film I've ever got.

  • @talicecue
    @talicecue Před 2 lety +1

    I remember the first time I watched this film, I had an existential crisis and cried for about two hours following the ending with Lester’s monologue.

  • @gonzo3337
    @gonzo3337 Před 3 lety +12

    Re-Animator is a great movie, highly recommended!

  • @lejohnbrames9392
    @lejohnbrames9392 Před 3 lety +15

    I think you've done 5 Kevin Spacey movies. I'm glad you don't avoid him, it'd be a discredit to the filmmakers and the craft in general. Appreciate the art for what it is.

    • @lazyatthedisco
      @lazyatthedisco Před 3 lety

      I'd love Margin Call getting a reaction as well

  • @Dinkdownn
    @Dinkdownn Před 3 lety +1

    That bag in the wind scene will always be in the back of my mind. I’ll never forget it.

  • @logankerlee
    @logankerlee Před 3 lety +2

    Really enjoyed this reaction. I always enjoy what you do on here James. Keep up the amazing work.

  • @somniumrabidum
    @somniumrabidum Před 3 lety +12

    I'd love to see you watch Children of Men (2006, stars Clive Owen). Really amazing shots throughout, I think we'd all really enjoy hearing your thoughts on the dialogue and pacing.
    Great reactions bro, I'm so glad I found your channel

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety +3

      I believe I have on this channel already!

    • @somniumrabidum
      @somniumrabidum Před 3 lety +2

      @@JamesVSCinema oh shit, yeah you have! Hell yea I'll be checking that one out today for sure.

  • @daykon6843
    @daykon6843 Před 3 lety +1

    The reason there’s an implementation of rose pedals is because roses are flowers that although pretty end up dying out fast. Which is basically symbolism for the whole film.

  • @k.s.k.7721
    @k.s.k.7721 Před 3 lety +1

    One of the amazing things about this film is that a large part of the script was cut - in the original concept, Ricky & Jane arrested for the murder of her father; Ricky's father turned over the drugs and videos as corroborative evidence, and they stand trial for Lester's murder. Luckily the director ultimately didn't want the film to go in that direction, so it was edited as you see it now.

  • @supersapphire
    @supersapphire Před 3 lety +3

    glad you reacted to american beauty, one of my favorite films!

  • @t0dd000
    @t0dd000 Před 3 lety +2

    Brilliant film exploring spiraling discontent and unhappiness.
    And no matter Spacey's history, he's a brilliant actor.
    The flowers. I always thought it had something with his infatuation with a woman in bloom. A person fresh and new with a life full of possibilities.

  • @TekaDon
    @TekaDon Před 3 lety +2

    This is the best movie review channel in existence. I hope you easily get to 100k and beyond.

    • @JamesVSCinema
      @JamesVSCinema  Před 3 lety

      That’s a major compliment! Damn, thank you!

    • @TekaDon
      @TekaDon Před 3 lety

      @@JamesVSCinema Your technical film knowledge and intellect is the key differentiator from the rest. Keep reviewing high quality films, from the best directors/writers.

  • @WilliamTheConk
    @WilliamTheConk Před 3 lety +2

    One of my favourite films. Looking forward to watching your reactions to some of the twists in this one!

  • @BranBurrito
    @BranBurrito Před 3 lety +4

    I always feel the urge to fire up Highland and write a new script after watching this film. It’s so inspiring on so many levels. Glad you got to experience it James!!!
    Also, since you’ve said Roger Deakins is your favorite cinematographer, I strongly suggest diving deeper into Conrad L Hall’s filmography. The man truly paints with light and has inspired many other cinematographers including Deakins himself. Happy New Year!!!

  • @6sKi6z6
    @6sKi6z6 Před 3 lety +7

    This is my second favorite live action movie, right behind Eternal Sunshine. I think it gets a lot of unnecessary hate. Spacey is a terrible person, but this is a perfect movie. Lots of nostalgia for this one because i was still in high school at its release.

  • @paperchasindude6578
    @paperchasindude6578 Před 3 lety +4

    Thomas Newman's score was kinda underrated, it should've won the Oscar

  • @heatherspence3848
    @heatherspence3848 Před 2 lety +1

    I’m so glad I just found your channel after years of watching reaction videos this is the first one that I am officially signing up for Patreon . I don’t even know your name and signing up finally after you addicted to reaction videos.. Sending love to you and yours from Orlando Florida

  • @Neat0_o
    @Neat0_o Před 3 lety +1

    One of the best channels I’ve ever found. You’re a genuine original, bro. Keep grinding.

  • @jessicalt4121
    @jessicalt4121 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you for a good set up and info about the movie and your thoughts. You have a nice way about yourself on film and your voice is soothing.

  • @Yukonkornelious
    @Yukonkornelious Před 3 lety

    This is my favourite Chanel currently. You react to movies I haven’t seen in years and always point out things I missed during my first watch. Super cool man!

  • @TPV07
    @TPV07 Před 3 lety +2

    I saw this movie a number times in the past, so like most I noticed the colours red white and blue in quite a few places in the movie. then I bought "If it's purple, someone's gonna die
    Book by Patti Bellantoni" (a must read for any film lover) the book has a section on the movie, and I was surprised actually how many times you can find these colours if you pay attention. the roses and the windows are obvious, but smaller details like 2 red and blue scissors on his office desk or the red and blue folders which fall out of his briefcase. It is a long topic but It is worth to think about where and when you see these colours popping up, who and which colours they wear in different parts of the movie. thanks for the reaction! Please get to I saw the Devil one day. I really love the colour pallette in that movie too.

  • @vbrueggeman5756
    @vbrueggeman5756 Před 3 lety +2

    Hey, I really love your videos man. They have a calm, chill tone and you have a lot of great insight and even give me things to think about for some of my favorite movies. I really recommend the TV show Succession, it has a bunch of those family dinner scenes you talked about and a really engaging story. If you do decide to give it a go I have heard some people say they had to get through the first few episodes before they started really enjoying it (although I liked it right away) I think you would really appreciate it! Great video again, I look forward to all of yours. Have a nice day

  • @heatherspence3848
    @heatherspence3848 Před 2 lety

    I can’t wait to go and check out the rest of your library! Glad to find your channel and sending love to you and yours from Orlando Florida

  • @energeez
    @energeez Před 3 lety +2

    this is my favorite movie. At my music college (year 2000-2001) in our off time we all put this on a projector because of the soundtrack. rappers to country singers were like we have to watch that, the soundtrack is so dope! not much talking while we watched and listened.

  • @rawkusrex
    @rawkusrex Před 3 lety +2

    Thora Birch was 17, some sources say 16, when she did that topless scene and needed the approval from her parents first to do it

  • @yourframedrop
    @yourframedrop Před 3 lety +1

    You REALLY love cameras that are pushing in ;) Awesome reaction, as always!

  • @DjTrax78
    @DjTrax78 Před 3 lety +5

    "This is a nice little story about just like finding your identity and validation in your existence"... then cuts to 2 adults trying to find what ever they lost in bed😂😂😂

    • @andrewstephens5885
      @andrewstephens5885 Před 3 lety +3

      i loved that it coincidentally cut there because it kinda showed the ways we go about receiving validation: (sex, manipulation, status ETC)

  • @pixelsin96
    @pixelsin96 Před 3 lety +2

    This movie was filmed at the high school I attended! South High Torrance! When I first saw it I got so excited lmao

  • @brandonthesteele
    @brandonthesteele Před 9 měsíci +1

    16:16 I've been a huge fan of this soundtrack since I first heard it. Thomas Newman is the composer, he composed wonderful soundtracks to many other films as well.

  • @ReadingOne
    @ReadingOne Před 3 lety +19

    I'm actually considering watching this movie now, I've never had even the slightest interest in it before.

    • @TheProphegy
      @TheProphegy Před 3 lety +7

      One of my all time favorite films. Such an incredible life lesson.

    • @russell7563
      @russell7563 Před 3 lety +4

      Actually a great movie

    • @heidi_d
      @heidi_d Před 2 lety +2

      It is a REALLY great movie. Was definitely in my top 10. I have had a hard time going back to watch any Spacey movies now, but I hope I can in the future because he was a master at his craft. This is SO damn good.

    • @ReadingOne
      @ReadingOne Před 2 lety +1

      @@heidi_d Spacey's actually the reason why I've had a hard time getting interested in it, I've just always found him creepy, like Willem Dafoe and Paul Giamatti. I know that objectively, they're all great actors, I just find them all so creepy that I hate watching them.

    • @heidi_d
      @heidi_d Před 2 lety +1

      @@ReadingOne I completely understand! And honestly if I hadn’t seen and ADORED this movie beforehand, I doubt I would take the time to watch it. Spacey really has turned out to be so damn creepy! However Annette Bening is almost overlooked in this (she is just phenomenal chasing the “beauty” of the American Dream!) and the other actors are just phenomenal as well, so it’s hard to set it aside completely. As a piece or art, it’s brilliant. With the background info, a bit creepy now! 😂

  • @ShadowKingpin
    @ShadowKingpin Před 3 lety +1

    Another great choice! Though, I must say you have no idea how excited I am for the day where you get to witness the cinematic masterpiece of Barry Lyndon. From one fellow filmmaker to another, the cinematography will blow your mind. It is as if you are watching a painting in motion. Not to mention, the zoom-ins and outs are truly breathtaking. Anyways, keep up the great work and I look forward to more of your content!