In Episode 94 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. brings Michael Hinman — host of Alpha Waves Radio — onto the show to discuss his all-time favorite film, 1999’s comedy/drama American Beauty.

Winner of five Academy Awards (including Best Picture), the Sam Mendes-directed film is emblematic not only of the kind of fearless filmmaking that rarely breaks into the mainstream these days but also of the landmark year in cinema that was 1999. Kudos to screenwriter Alan Ball, whose work still stands one of the best examples of a film that has actually grown better with time.

Kevin Spacey (yes, despite his real-life controversy) delivers an unforgettable Oscar-winning turn as a sad-sack family man whose midlife crisis/reawakening ultimately leads up to his untimely death (don’t worry, this is decidedly not a spoiler). However, Spacey is matched by equally astounding work by an ensemble that includes Chris Cooper, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, Wes Bentley and Allison Janney. In particular, the perpetually underrated Annette Bening creates an indelible impression of her own as Spacey’s long-suffering wife.

Whether you’ve never seen it or, like Mike, have revisited American Beauty in the years since it stormed theaters, take an hour to smell the roses and listen in as we discuss one of the most indelible Best Picture winners of the past two decades: American Beauty.