"I'm 42 years old, and in less than a year I'll be dead. Of course, I didn't know that yet. In a way, I'm dead already." Thus begins the Oscar winning stunner American Beauty which will premiere on Star Movies on Friday 28 December at 9:30 pm. 

Two dysfunctional families are the focus of director Sam Mendes who makes an astonishing debut. The film stars Kevin Spacey as a working professional in suburban America who feels increasingly alienated from his wife and daughter. His wife played by Anette Bening is a career obsessed workaholic. 

Alan Ball's screenplay urges the audience to look closer even though it makes one uncomfortable. The film won five Oscars including Picture, Director and Actor.