I've been on a kick lately, trying to watch movies to prepare for a new spec I am writing about growing up in the suburbs. That means I've been gobbling up all Hollywood has to offer when dissecting suburbia. And while the American Suburb is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and the picture-perfect family. Cinema has done a great job of showing that it's also the battleground for all our dark secrets, which come home to roost. Filmmakers have long been obsessed with pulling back this pristine curtain, and today I decided to pick a bunch of movies I think that do it best. Let's dive in 1. American Beauty (1999)Director: Sam MendesWriter: Alan BallCast: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena SuvariThis Best Picture winner is arguably the definitive "dark side of the suburbs" film. It's all about peeling back the layers. We follow the Burnham family, whose seemingly perfect life is a hollow shell full of angst and a life that needs to be lived. Lester Burnham's mid-life crisis gets everyone's repressed and longing simmering emotions to bubble over as the whole neighborhood undergoes changes. It’s a satirical and tragic look at the emptiness of chasing material perfection.2. Edward Scissorhands (1990)Director: Tim BurtonWriter: Caroline Thompson (Screenplay), Tim Burton (Story)Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael HallI love how this sort of messed-up Christmas movie was able to bring the holiday magic and skewer all of the American Suburbs at the same time. Tim Burton’s...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Yesterday