Chris Cooper Reflects on “American Beauty” 25 Years Later: ‘People Are Either Gonna Love It or Hate It’ (Exclusive)

**Chris Cooper Reflects on ‘American Beauty’ 25 Years Later (Exclusive)**

Oscar-winning actor Chris Cooper recently shared his reflections on the iconic film “American Beauty,” over 25 years after its release. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the New York City premiere of his new movie “The History of Sound,” Cooper delved into the divisive nature of the film and its lasting impact on audiences.

“American Beauty,” released in 1999, starred Cooper alongside Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, Allison Janney, and Wes Bentley. Cooper revealed that during the filming of “American Beauty,” the cast and crew were aware that the movie would elicit strong reactions from viewers. He remarked, “When we shot it, we said people are either gonna love this film or hate it.”

Cooper’s character in “American Beauty” was Frank, the neighbour of Kevin Spacey’s lead character, Lester. The film explores the complexities of suburban life and relationships, with Spacey’s character becoming infatuated with his daughter’s friend, leading to a series of intertwined events among the characters in the neighbourhood.

Regarding his current connection with his former co-stars from “American Beauty,” Cooper mentioned that he occasionally runs into Wes Bentley, who played his son in the film. However, he admitted that he has not had many interactions with the rest of the cast since their time working on the movie.

“American Beauty” received critical acclaim, earning seven Oscar nominations in 2000 and winning five awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sam Mendes. Despite its success, the film’s legacy has been complicated by allegations of sexual misconduct against Kevin Spacey, who won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the movie.

Cooper’s latest project, “The History of Sound,” features him alongside actors Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. The film narrates a romance set in the 1910s, and Cooper portrays an older version of Mescal’s character, Lionel. Reflecting on his experience working on the film, Cooper expressed his admiration for the script and the opportunity to collaborate with talented co-stars.

As “The History of Sound” gears up for its theatrical release on September 12, Cooper shared that he only met Mescal and O’Connor on his last day of shooting, highlighting the professionalism and camaraderie on set. The movie promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt narrative and compelling performances from the cast.

Chris Cooper’s journey from “American Beauty” to his current projects underscores his versatility as an actor and his commitment to bringing engaging stories to life on the silver screen. As he continues to enthrall audiences with his performances, Cooper’s reflections on the enduring impact of “American Beauty” serve as a testament to the power of storytelling in the world of cinema.