Review

Rating: Null/10 (10 May 2004)

American Beauty (1999), directed by Sam Mendes, tells the story of a middle-aged man, Lester Burnham played by Kevin Spacey, who seeks to make major changes in his drab middle-class life. The film critiques the idea of female characters being objectified. Angela, played by Mena Suvari, is a shallow character who aspires to become a professional model and frequently speaks in a sexual manner. Jane, played by Thora Birch, is the antithesis of Angela, whom doesn't flaunt her body, and shows a deeper personality. Lester desires for Angela in a way that objectifies her. The camera portrays Angela in very lustful style, which also objectifies her. Jane is a more likeable character, and is filmed in a more realistic manner than Angela. Ricky, played by Wes Bentley, films Jane in an innocent way, which prevents Jane from becoming an objectified woman. Jane is also a more likeable character than Angela, and makes the audience question what really constitutes a beautiful woman. In conclusion, American Beauty challenges the audience's belief on a woman's true beauty. Media often pushes a physically attractive, sexual woman to be desirable, which is portrayed by Angela, and challenged by Jane.