American Beauty
American dark comedy-drama film by Sam Mendes · Released September 8, 1999
American Beauty is a 1999 American black comedy and psychological drama film directed by Sam Mendes in his feature-film directorial debut, and written by Alan Ball. Kevin Spacey stars as Lester Burnham, an advertising executive who experiences a midlife crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter’s teenage best friend, played by Mena Suvari. Annette Bening stars as Lester's materialistic wife, Carolyn, and Thora Birch plays their insecure daughter, Jane. Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper, Peter Gallagher, and Allison Janney co-star.
Cast ages when filming began (December 1998)
- Kevin Spacey, as Lester Burnham: 39
- Annette Bening, as Carolyn Burnham: 40
- Thora Birch, as Jane Burnham: 16
- Wes Bentley, as Ricky Fitts: 20
- Mena Suvari, as Angela Hayes: 19
- Chris Cooper, as Col: 47
- Peter Gallagher, as Buddy Kane: 43
- Allison Janney, as Barbara Fitts: 39
- Scott Bakula, as Jim Olmeyer: 44
- Sam Robards, as Jim Berkley: 36–37
- Amber Smith, as Christy Kane: 27
- Bruce Cohen: 37
- Barry Del Sherman, as Brad Dupree: 36