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At the outset of the film and occasionally thereafter, director Sam Mendes treats us to a vision of maple tree leaves being tossed and turned by the wind. They appear to be dancing joyously free as they flow upwards and downward, hither and yon, to a mysterious tune. Also in the scene are a cement walkway where the leaves occasionally rest, a red brick wall which serves as a backdrop and, yes, a discarded paper bag. Trash, if you will. Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) is the film's protagonist and narrator. He is an advertising man, husband, father, neighbour and suburbanite. He wants to be joyous and free too; our empty bag dancing in the wind. His daughter is ready for boys; her […] girl friend appears to have already tasted that part of life. An ex-Marine with a deathly secret lives next door. The Marine's son enjoys taking photographs of (Oh no!) dead things. He also enjoys photographing Lester's daughter. Then there's Mom, Lester's great looking wife. She's outgoing, classy and confused. The characters in this film are not your neighbours, of course. Your neighbours always keep the curtains drawn. ~ The director has drawn out marvelous performances from everyone in this superb thriller from the suburbs. Mendes' masterpiece.
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