Amercian Beauty Review

Rating: Null/10 (30 July 2011)

American Beauty is story about a character Lester Burnham who represents a middle-aged American man who has lost his passion for life. The story follows the highs and lows of Lester's life and gives perspectives on many different character relationships that are responsible for his current and future state. The films main theme is that it is never too late to feel passion in your life; sometimes it just takes a little spark.
The story follows Lester on his daily life and his interactions with his family and friends. The film shows the perspectives of his wife Carolyn, who is a fanatic realtor who is obsessed with perfection and success. The drive and motivation for material success only separates Lester and her even more causing the couple to drift apart. This strain and discontent is one part of his life that fuels him to change. Lester also has become distant from his daughter is like most teenagers and has a hard time relating and understanding her parents. The films portrayal of Jane, Lester's daughter parallels the main character's story and provides multiple relationship perspectives. The story shows her lack of passion for anything and the spark is about to move in next door.
The film follows a main theme of enlightenment or gaining a lost perspective or finding that lost passion that I think we all can relate to. This powerful universal concept is what has defined every one of the characters. Lester represents the average American male that is fed up with his life, who, during his daughter's sporting event noticed her friend which sparked a newfound purpose and understanding in his life. This montage or motif defined Lester learning or re-experiencing a lost feeling. The use of rose petals and curious music showed the passion and lust for life that he has been missing, is starting to return. This music is replayed during the film to show similar feelings and understanding.
The film takes another turn when it shows the complex relationship between their new neighbor Ricky and his father. The story shows a strained relationship that clearly has been tested over the years and shows the struggle for a young man to understand and please his father. The film shows the view of a military man who wants to control his life and everyone around him, but he hiding the fact that he is a homosexual and has a hard time relating to his son. Colonel Fits represents the concept of "don't believe what you see on the outside when it comes to your neighbor". I thought the film did a great job showing the inability for Colonel Fits to understand and relate to anyone around him and that ultimately led to his demise. The film also used various cuts from Ricky's video camera. This grainy footage was very important in showing the reality of teen behavior and gave a glimpse into the mind of a young couple who is rebelling against their parents.
Overall this film was excellent and showed a glimpse into an American family and how their complicated relationships work. I think we all reach a point sometime in our life where we just stop, look around and ask yourself a question, "how did I get here and where am I going?" , that is what makes the film so powerful, the universal theme of finding the lost passion and purpose in our daily lives and relationships.