Happiness v. American Beauty

[LiddyRules]

Before middle-class suburban angst became the hot topic for every indy director, these two movies kind of came out around the same time (though Happiness was first).

So which suburban underbelly, parody-of-sitcom-conventions did you think was better? The Oscar winner or the good one?

[WhiskeyWhispers]

Happiness was just insane. How great was Philip Seymour Hoffman in that? I can't remember how many times I cringed watching that movie. I was actually gonna use the creepy pedo dad staring at his son's friend as a gif.

American Beauty was ok, but it was kinda hack to have the homophobic redneck turn out to be gay.

[THE FEZ MAN]

i had to go with happyness, the jerk off sceine at the end was fucking hilarious. i realy think next to KIDZ its one of the most disturbing films ive ever seen, and i like disturbing, not horror mind you just disturbing

[FAngel]

This thread needs a bump - I just watched Happiness tonight, and it was absolutely fantastic. I've built up really thick skin over the years between the internet and O&A, but I was physically cringing during the final discussion between the pedo dad and his son. And yes, the closing scene was priceless and had me el oh elling.

I think American Beauty is still a great film, but it takes a slight backseat because it still has a sort of Hollywood feel to it. Anyone who hasn't seen Happiness should put it in your Netflix queue now, go rent it at Blockbuster, buy it, etc.

[istink]

Happiness is the superior film. I'll never forget people walking out of the theater in disgust during the father/son talk towards the end. Every character in the film was fucked beyond belief. It just seemed effortless the way they would go about their business, whether it was 'glueing' postcards to the wall or picking up a new teen magazine for your son. For years after seeing the film, I'd greet people with, "Did you see Leno last night?" just to fuck with them.

American Beauty was a trite, simplistic, predictable piece of shit. Its attempt to satirize the dysfunctional american family was too forced and obvious. Some great acting talent wasted on a by-the-numbers script.

[LiddyRules]

"Are you wet? Is your pussy all wet?"

Best Phlip Seymour Hoffman role ever.