American Beauty (1999) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error WATCH NOW ON DISC A sexually frustrated suburban father has a mid-life crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter's best friend. Director: Parental Guidance: Interview with the star of 20th Century Women, Annette Bening 11 January 2017 7:00 AM, -08:00 | Cineplex a list of 21 titles created 16 Oct 2010 a list of 43 titles created 07 Jan 2012 a list of 33 titles created 12 Oct 2015 a list of 25 titles created 6 months ago a list of 46 titles created 1 week ago Search for " American Beauty " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Won 5 Oscars.

Another 103 wins & 96 nominations. See more awards » Videos A former neo-nazi skinhead tries to prevent his younger brother from going down the same wrong path that he did. Director: Tony Kaye Two detectives, a rookie and a veteran, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. Director: David Fincher Forrest Gump, while not intelligent, has accidentally been present at many historic moments, but his true love, Jenny Curran, eludes him. Director: Robert Zemeckis An undercover cop and a mole in the police attempt to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish gang in South Boston. Director: Martin Scorsese A young F.B.I. cadet must confide in an incarcerated and manipulative killer to receive his help on catching another serial killer who skins his victims. Director: Jonathan Demme An insomniac office worker, looking for a way to change his life, crosses paths with a devil-may-care soap maker, forming an underground fight club that evolves into something much, much more.

Director: David Fincher The lives of two mob hit men, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption. Director: Quentin Tarantino When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by an emperor's corrupt son, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge. Director: Ridley Scott A man juggles searching for his wife's murderer and keeping his short-term memory loss from being an obstacle. Director: Christopher Nolan A sole survivor tells of the twisty events leading up to a horrific gun battle on a boat, which begin when five criminals meet at a seemingly random police lineup. Director: Bryan Singer After John Nash , a brilliant but asocial mathematician, accepts secret work in cryptography, his life takes a turn for the nightmarish. Director: Ron Howard When his secret bride is executed for assaulting an English soldier who tried to rape her, William Wallace begins a revolt against King Edward I of England. Director: Mel Gibson Edit Storyline Lester and Carolyn Burnham are, on the outside, a perfect husband and wife in a perfect house in a perfect neighborhood. But inside, Lester is slipping deeper and deeper into a hopeless depression.

He finally snaps when he becomes infatuated with one of his daughter's friends. Meanwhile, his daughter Jane is developing a happy friendship with a shy boy-next-door named Ricky, who lives with an abusive father. Written by Jessie Skinner <eietherbinge@hotmail.com> Rated R for strong sexuality, language, violence and drug content | See all certifications » Parents Guide: 1 October 1999 (USA) See more » Also Known As: $861,531 (USA) (17 September 1999) Gross: Did You Know? Trivia Annette Bening recalled women from her youth to inform her performance: "I used to babysit constantly. You'd go to church and see how people present themselves on the outside, and then be inside their house and see the difference. See more » Goofs After Lester has been shot, Jane and Ricky Fitts come downstairs to the kitchen to investigate. In the first shot blood is shown dripping from the kitchen table from the POV of Jane and Ricky Fitts looking through a crack in the door. The next shot shows Jane and Ricky opening the door to see Lester dead at the table.

The POV then returns back to the dripping blood through the crack in the door despite just showing the audience that Jane and Ricky have already opened the door and discovered Lester. See more » Quotes [first lines] Jane Burnham : I need a father who's a role model, not some horny geek-boy who's gonna spray his shorts whenever I bring a girlfriend home from school. What a lame-o. Someone really should just put him out of his misery. Ricky Fitts : Want me to kill him for you? thanks to all at the Donmar Warehouse in London and Dr. Bill and Alice See more » Connections a very well done film that continues to amaze me... 7 July 2001 | by reesew18 (Connecticut) – See all my reviews When I first saw this movie in theaters, I found it to be very funny. When I rented it at home, I found it to be very sad and complex. Looking at it now, I realize that it is surely one of the most extraordinary films ever to come out of Hollywood. To some it may look trite or cliched, or maybe too un-ordinary to be worthy of its praise, but the overall impact of this film is extremely powerful.

After you've seen it, you know you've seen something. A few notable elements stand out. The direction is superb; this is visually a superior film, for the director understands the subtle changes in tone. The writing is equally compelling; the story effortlessly interweaves multiple stories to create one amazing movie. The haunting music is also notable. Lastly is the acting. Kevin Spacey has done excellent films before, and he can add this one to the list. He may be a little to witty to suggest the overshadowed character he portrays, but he simply disappears into the role. Annette Bening is also fine; a less strong role, but she is magnificent none the less. As the teenagers, Thora Birch is able to mesmerize us with one intense look; her "typical teenager" role is fleshed out completely. I enjoyed Mena Suvari's character equally. It seemed that she did not receive as much acclaim, but her performance evokes both innocence and experience, and her scenes toward the end give her a depth unlike any other character. And Wes Bentley, as the video-taping boy next door, is easily the most original character. At first he seems a little tense, but, like Spacey, he sinks into the role.

His "purpose" in the film, unlike anyone else's, is a mystery, thus making him the most enigmatic person. Most films are able to make a lasting impression on its audience, but never has a movie been known to "move" its viewers as much as this movie. It truly says something about life, no matter how predictable or tacky it appears, this film disturbingly shows us how to appreciate our individual lives, so therefore, when they are over, we each have something to remember. 119 of 143 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes Analysis of American Beauty by Brittany Deschler Critical Analysis of American Beauty (1999) by Brittany Deschler, SUNY Fredonia A Search for Beauty There are many connecting themes in American Beauty. Through plot, characterization, and cinematography these themes are conveyed well. Overall, this film is highly successful in layered themes and counter themes. The main themes that the film draws attention to throughout the movie are that of materialism, appearance versus reality, denial and repression, control versus chaos, loneliness versus feeling connected, change and searching, and beauty (subjective and objective).

Each character is an agent in one or more of the themes as explained below. One of the most apparent themes in this film is that of the empty promises of materialism. The American Dream is what the Burnhams seem to have: good jobs, a house in the suburbs, children, two cars, and a nice home. The Art Culture Film website describes them as "trapped by the ideology of the American Dream" (Structural 1). Carolyn Burnham is obsessed with materialism and other's opinions of them (Newman 8). She loves her house and possessions and to her these things equal success. Mendes shows in the scene in which Lester is trying to kiss her and show Carolyn they can still experience passion. They are on the couch and she almost submits to the moment when out of the corner of her eye she notices that Lester is about to spill beer on her couch and warns him. Lester, frustrated, yells, "It's just a couch!" to which she replies that it is not just a couch, but one that cost $4,000 and is upholstered in Italian silk.

In a scene in which she fights with her daughter, Carolyn yells at Jane for not appreciating the life she has (meaning the possessions she owns.) Material accumulation is what she views as a means to being happy, and does not understand that her daughter would benefit more from a close relationship with her mother. This theme leads into that of appearance versus reality. Each character confronts this on some level. The more unhappy the characters in the film, the more we can see they cover reality with an illusion. Carolyn believes that the most important thing in life is success, and appearing successful (Huntely 7). She attempts to be happy through her career as a real estate agent. In a scene in which she cannot sell a house, she abuses herself mentally and physically: she cries, screams, and slaps herself in the face. All day she had cleaned the house (appearances) and repeated maniacally to herself, "I will sell this house today." Angela Hayes appears to be the model teen which others envy, but in reality has low self-esteem.. She is thin, blonde, gorgeous, popular and confident to the seeing eye. Inside she is scared and torn.

She constantly criticizes others as being plain, when that is what she truly feels is her defect. Colonel Fitts appears to be a man's man. He served in the military, and lives a clean and decent life. More than anything, this man abhors homosexuals and constantly lets us (and Ricky) know it. In the end, he believes that Lester and his son are having a sexual affair. The distraught Colonel goes to see Lester, and kisses him, revealing to us that he is latently homosexual himself (Huntley 5.) These three characters are on the negative side of appearance versus reality. Critic Jeff Newman states that Ricky Fitts does not project a false image. Perhaps not in the same negative way as the others, he still appears something he is not. To his father he appears to work in after school jobs to earn money for his hobbies. Truly he is selling marijuana. Jane is what she appears which is a confused, sulky teen, with a glimmer of hope. Another theme in the film is denial. Again, we have the three characters that hide their reality the most. Colonel Fitts. Carolyn Burnham, and Angela Hayes.

Colonel Fitts is in utter denial about his sexuality (Huntley 5, Newman 6). Carolyn is in denial about life in general. She cannot come to terms with her insincere relationships with daughter and husband, and that she is not being fulfilled by her success in her career or her possessions. Angela is denying that she feels insecure, undesired, and unattractive by lashing out at others. While Lester may have been in denial in the beginning about his life being mundane, the film commences with his recognition of this, and attempt to change. Ricky is not in denial about anything, and is the most free and honest character in the film. Jane is not in denial either for she is too drawn inward to project anything false (Newman 3). The three characters again that in the film are similar in negative ways, Col. Fitts, Angela, and Carolyn have a need to control people and things (Newman 4-5). Col. Fitts is totally controlling of Ricky (or at least believes he is) (Newman 12). He monitors his drug use by random urine samples and dominates his catatonic wife.

Carolyn "wears the pants" in the family, controlling everything down to the music they listen to at dinner. Lester is connected to control in a different way by experimenting with different ways of regaining control, and therefore happiness of his life. He uses pot, works out, and listens to old rock music while racing in his new sports car that he always wanted. Jane cannot control anything, especially the physical appearance of her body, and toys with the idea of breast augmentation. Ricky controls his own destiny and makes his own decisions and, again, is the "hero" of the film. Loneliness and a sense of feeling unconnected surfaces here. Many shots portray one character alone in the frame: Angela in the mirror, Jane in the mirror, Lester in the shower, Lester alone in the car, Lester alone in the garage, Carolyn alone in the car, Carolyn alone on the job, and so forth. Most of the characters have problems emotionally connecting with others and deteriorating relationships are present throughout (Lester and Jane, Lester and Carolyn, The Fitts's in general, Angela and Jane) (Newman 2).

In fact one of the healthiest relationships is between the gay couple, Jim and Jim, showing that unconventionality is not wrong, and have a happy, healthy life that they alone it the film have (American 14). It is not until Jane meets Ricky and connects with him in a more honest way than ever does she begin to change. In the ending, after Angela and Lester do not make love is the first time in the film we see a human side to Angela, and a real emotional honest connection. Lester is trying to connect emotionally again (Newman 11). Carolyn never makes this connection. She attempts to by having an affair with Buddy Lane "The Real Estate King," but fails because it was not a genuine connection. Colonel Fitts never reaches this either. He attempts to by kissing Lester but does not receive a positive response back, thwarting his attempt. Change is a debatable theme in this film. I believe most of the characters positively change. The film begins with Lester needing to change his life (Huntley 3). A review by Upcoming Movies says the film is about his rebirth to life.

Lester, even though it is in the last seconds of his life, appreciates his life and feels alive. Jane is happier and in love. There is hope for change in Angela as shown when she breaks down to Lester and then washes her face in the mirror, as if to signify a clearing away of appearances. The last time we see Carolyn is right after she finds Lester murdered, even though one may conclude that she was about to perform the task herself. The shock of seeing Lester violently murdered has a traumatic effect on her and she collapses into Lester's clothes in the closet. This showing of remorse and emotion represents that she now that he is gone, she can feel the love she repressed. Perhaps the reality of actually seeing him dead, and knowing that he is truly gone, shocks her out of her cold shell that she was in when he was alive. The clothes represent Lester himself, and she falls into them as if suddenly realizing the terror of what has happened. Colonel Fitts does not reach a change, and is still a cruel, confused, lonely man. Ricky did not need to change, and was the catalysts for other's transformation (Newman 35-37).

The whole message of the film is in the title, American Beauty. One way to take it is that things that appear to be beauty in America, often are not. Angela, the perfect American girl-a blonde, young, cute, thin, cheerleader, is actually cold and cruel, while Jane, the not so thin, not so (conventionally) gorgeous and lively girl is truly caring and beautiful (which Ricky recognizes) (Huntley 6 and Newman 8). Beauty, as a meaning of conventionality, of the American dream is an illusion. Colonel Fitts is the idea man, except he is a physically abusive husband and father. Carolyn is successfully beautiful, but ugly in character. Another meaning of the title is the search for beauty. Lester is trying to regain the beauty he once saw in life by reverting back to his youth-pot smoking, lusting after a teenager, listening to seventies music, and working in a fast-food joint.

Ricky finds beauty in everything through his camera, even in the plastic bag being blown in circles by the wind (a breakthrough scene in which he explains that there is a beautiful energy behind everything in life) (Huntley 4.) The bag is symbolic of the everyday miracles that occur all the time which we tend to overlook (Structural 1). If we took the time to see beauty in everything, even in things that may seem ugly initially, perhaps we would leave happier, more meaningful lives. The rose is also symbolic of American Beauty. It shows up various times in the film, as well as the color red in general, which symbolizes passion, love, and joy (Structural 1). Carolyn grooms and cuts roses; perhaps the cutting is symbolic of cutting of all passion in life. Angela is enveloped in roses in Lester's fantasies of her, and at one point, Jane is seen sitting behind a vase of roses. There are some problems in the film.

In the end, the dead Lester explains how happy he was for his stupid little life and how it all was great (implying that everyone should be grateful for their lives.) However, many things in the film were not great circumstances that the characters should have been grateful for (American 3). I think the film would have benefited if he had explained that he was grateful for having the chance to feel alive again, and that he loved his wife and daughter and wished he could have shown them the way, as he was trying, and something along the lines of "keep the feeling of youth and passion alive in middle age" which is what I gained from the film. The theme of Ricky's voyeurism through the camera as a way to find beauty is also a little troubling. It is not explained as to why this medium is necessary. It seemed out of place in the story and took attention away to the things that were important. Overall, I believe these themes were portrayed well through the action and characters. The message to love life and live honestly to yourself and others shone through. All of the characters are searching for a way to connect or to feel happy once again, and in harmony. Beauty can lead to happiness, if it is true beauty.

Subsequent messages, such as acceptance of others, like homosexuals, came through as well. The joy, love, and passion for others and life in general is what this movie says to me, through its dialogue, actions, framing, and technique. It is a strong commentary on what lost inside of us when we see things as beautiful that are grotesque in reality. It shows that we sometimes confuse beauty with ugliness, and completely miss the beauty altogether. Mundane living and unappreciation for the everyday deaden what is alive in us. Bibliography of Works Cited "American Beauty." Upcomingmovies. Com. Re: 17 April, 2002. "Business Data for American Beauty (1999)." Business Data. Re: 2 April 2002. De la Vina, Mark. "Theater Director's Beauty of a Film." San Jose Mercury News. Sept. 15, 1999: 64. Elley, Dereck. Variety Movie Guide 2000. New York: The Berkeley Publishing Group, 2000: 37. Eller, Claudia.

"Industry Doors Open For Decidedly Un-Hollywood Movie." Los Angeles Times. Sept. 10, 1999:22. Huntley, Katharine E. Monahan. "American Beauty." Dramatica: Screenplay System Website. Re: 16 April, 2002. Newman, Jeff. "American-Beauty." Screenwriting. Re: 18 April, 2002. "Nineteen-ninety-nine Academy Awards." Infoplease.com. 2002 Learning Network. Re: 2 2002. Rechtshaffen, Michael. "Who Ya Gonna Call? Flabbusters." National Post. April 17, 1999: 82-83. Stein, Ruth. "From 'Caberet' to California Dark 'American Beauty' lures Sam Mendes to Hollywood." San Francisco Chronicle. Sept.12, 1999:127. "Structural Analysis of the Movie American Beauty." Art Culture. Re: 17 April 2002.

Return to the Guide to American Beauty WTM | American Beauty (1999) | Characters Fans American Beauty (1999) A list of the main characters from American Beauty. You can write a short Description of your favourite Characters or upload some cool Stills. Displaying 1 - 6 of 8 in total Carolyn Burnham Click any Character to edit and make them active Barbara Fitts (Allison Janney) Brad Dupree (Barry Del Sherman) Bartender (uncredited) (Bruce Cohen) Sale House Man #3 (Kent Faulcon) Catering Boss (Joel McCrary) Himself (archive footage) (uncredited) (Ronald Reagan) Christy Kane (Amber Smith) Sale House Man #2 (Fort Atkinson) Sale House Woman #1 (Ara Celi) Sale House Man #1 (John Cho) Mr.

Smiley's Counter Girl (Janine) (Marissa Jaret Winokur) Spartanette #1 (Alison Faulk) Sale House Woman #4 (Lisa Cloud) Sale House Woman #2 (Sue Casey) Firing Range Attendant (Matthew Kimbrough) Spartanette #9 (Reshma Gajjar) Playground Girl #2 (Chelsea Hertford) Sale House Woman #3 (Brenda Wehle) Mr. Smiley's Manager (Dennis Anderson) Spartanette #2 (Krista Goodsitt) How does Sam Mendes portray the character Carolyn Burnham in American Beauty? - GCSE English - Marked by Teachers.com How does Sam Mendes portray the character Carolyn Burnham in American Beauty? Extracts from this document... Introduction How does Sam Mendes portray the character of Carolyn Burnham? American Beauty is a film that delves into your typical, middle-class suburban home and slowly uncovers all of the abnormalities that lie within. The family is portrayed as normal, but as the films tag line suggests "look closer." It is possible to fully understand the implications that take place in this seemingly happy home. The film is directed by director Sam Mendes and was released in 1999.

Sam Mendes has created a character which I shall base this essay on, whom is played by Annette Bening. Carolyn Burnham is the materialistic, ambitious, insecure, seemingly successful, lonely wife of Lester Burnham. She has very little to do with her husband, Lester, and even less to do with her daughter, Jane. Carolyn is a very insecure character, which is apparent in her behaviour observed in different situations. One of these situations is a scene which she tries to sell a house and becomes more and more desperate. The Burnham's seem to have the 'American Dream': good jobs, two cars and a nice home in the suburbs and children but if you do as the slogan says and 'look closer' you may see that appearances are deceiving and that materialism is all empty promises. ...read more. Middle Lester and Carolyn do not have a healthy or active relationship, which also makes their relationship with their daughter worse, yet this is all covered up to others by Carolyn's exceeding talent of appearances. Frustrated by her lack of a relationship with her husband, Carolyn makes a choice to have an affair with her real estate business rival Buddy Kanes. The affair doesn't amount to much; just decreases Carolyn's tolerance.

But also it shows that Carolyn 'wears the pants' in the family, controlling everything down to the music they listen to eat dinner. One scene in American beauty shows a key insight into the character of Caroline and her any different persona's. Carolyn is cleaning a dirty house inwhich she tells the viewers reppitedly that she 'will' sell. The choice of words here shows her positivity which is matched with the light opening of the scene and the playful lingering music. Undressing into a red slip and laying out her things she starts to thoroughly clean. By this time, Carolyn has already shown us the edge of doubt by the camera shot of the opposite side of the street towards a competitor estate agent. As previously established, Carolyn Burnham likes her appearance even within her own home. ...read more. Conclusion This may be why she is cleaning the house, other than getting a company to do it for her. I'm assuming that Carolyn and Lester married and had Jane, yet Carolyn focused on her career and started to leave her family behind, her characteristics make a good business woman, yet not a good balanced wife and mother either.

A mother that focuses too much on their career inevitably affects their family for the worse, Carolyn Burnham does this and blames it on material things. Trying to make up for it buy earning money and pretending there is nothing wrong with her family. This may be the reason why Carolyn Burnham had the affair with Buddy Kane, as he affects her career inwhich she strives to improve more and more. Buddy Kane also may give her a feel of understanding or reassurance, 'Buddy Kane: In order to be successful, one must project an image of success at all times.' I feel this quotes links directly back to Carolyn Burnham, as it seems to fit perfectly with her persona's actions and beliefs - Sam Mendes portrays all of this by the cleverly constructed camera angles, as if we are a person looking over her, especially in the key scene. ...read more. The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Miscellaneous section. Found what you're looking for?

Start learning 29% faster today 150,000+ documents available Lester Burnham (Character) Lester Burnham (Character) from American Beauty (1999) The content of this page was created by users. It has not been screened or verified by IMDb staff. There may be more photos available for this character. To select more photos to be displayed in this character's gallery, click the Edit Photos link. Overview Biography: Lester is a sexually frustrated man who is seperated from his wife but still living with her... See more » Filmography Lester Burnham : Spec-ta-cular! See more » Update You may correct errors and omissions on this page directly. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process. IMDb Everywhere Find showtimes, watch trailers, browse photos, track your Watchlist and rate your favorite movies and TV shows on your phone or tablet! "American Beauty" Film Psychology Essay | Homophobia American Beauty: Lester Burnham and Colonel Frank FittsAmanda DunmanVentura CollegePsy V15 – Dr.

Patricia Fox-WestMay 4, 2005 2American Beauty: Lester Burnham and Colonel Frank Fitts“American Beauty,” the 1999 film directed by Sam Mendes, is a motion picture inwhich its characters struggle to control their destiny and find freedom, in different forms,within their own constructed world of dysfunctional perfection. The tag line “look closer”is an indication of the abnormalities to be found within the two American middle-classsuburban families depicted in the film, the Burnhams and Fitts’. The fathers of thesefamilies, Lester Burnham and Colonel Frank Fitts, appear to be polar opposites – theformer suffering from an adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct, the latter fromsevere internalized homophobia and anger management issues. One man is attempting toescape his stressful life events through reckless behavior, while the other tries tosafeguard himself through military control and a deep-seeded, personal fear.

However,when we do look closer, the viewer realizes the significance and parallel in one of Lester’s statements: “[We are] a commercial for normal when we are anything but.”The first character introduced to viewers is Lester Burnham, a 42 year old malewho is generally depressed about every aspect of his life. He is married to a career-obsessed Carolyn Burnham who is the major breadwinner as a real estate agent, has spentfourteen years as a “whore for the advertising industry,” and has a teenage daughter whom he believes hates him. In one symbolic car scene we recognize his situation:Carolyn is driving (just like she “drives” the family), his daughter Jane is next to her, andLester sits slouched in the backseat, avoiding further argument with his wife, visually becoming 3unhappier and more desperate every second. When he goes to work he is asked by anefficiency expert to write a job description to justify his position at the company. This isLester’s final straw.

The threat to his job security was the stressful event that led to hismaladaptive behavior, which was set to begin once the scene ended.Two catalysts that aided in and reinforced his acting out were Angela, Jane’ssexually preoccupied friend, and Ricky Fitts, the son of the new neighbors Colonel Frank and Barbara Fitts. When Lester is forced to attend Jane’s cheerleading event he is takenaback by Angela, who along with Ricky represents his yearning for freedom, respect, and beauty. When at another event he is forced to attend by his wife, he meets Ricky whoreintroduces him to marijuana and self-determination by witnessing him casually quit his job. Angela’s flirtation and Ricky’s confidence advances Lester’s emotional reactions tohis problems into active manifestations of his desires.

Lester starts working out toimpress Angela after eavesdropping and calling her and hanging up, smokes marijuana, blackmails his way out of his job into one with “the least possible amount of responsibility,” and buys the car he always wanted.The combination of Lester’s excessive behavior after the events of perhaps losinghis job and existing family stressors, the significant impairment produced by his behavior, and the duration of his symptoms are implications of an adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct. Adjustment disorders are defined as “an emotional or behavioral reaction to an identifiable stressful event or change in a person’s life that isconsidered maladaptive or somehow not an expected healthy response (“Adjustment More From This User Download American Beauty (1999) YIFY Torrent for 720p mp4 movie in yify-torrent.org Reviewed byRyan ( [email protected] )Vote: 10/10 "American Beauty" is tour de force cinema. Sam Mendes' brilliant debut feature depicts a web of characters who yearn for their own 'American Dream' - yet, in the end, only one character truly attains it.

Having seen "Happiness" only recently, I could not help but draw comparisons: both films centre around a microcosm of society in which the people, in their own unique way, all strive to be successful or simply 'happy'. But here the similarities end: the characters in "Happiness" undergo a self-realisation process through which they become increasingly aware of their meaningless existence, and go on to wallow in their own depravity. "Happiness" shows no signs of redemption; whereas in "American Beauty" the audience is offered a sense of hope, of salvation, though the characters must endure a similar fate, or more accurately, they must endure the way of life in which they are trapped. The pivotal character upon which this theme centres, is the father Lester, played impeccably by Kevin Spacey. He is presented to us as a bit of a loser who plays the subjugated figure in the home and at work. He appears resigned to an unhappy life in which he is treated badly by his wife and daughter and his boss at work. Seemingly beyond redemption, Lester transforms from being a loser.

Mendes portrays this transformation admirably well: he shows Lester on his 'path to enlightenment' pushed up against a grim background of suburbanite existence. These early scenes are well balanced, forming a steady rhythm of TV commercial-like vignettes which prove very comical, if at times unsettling. As Lester reflects in the film: "My life is like a commercial". And how this rings true: like in "Happiness", all the characters hide underneath this veneer of normality and respectability, yet they are all revealed to be nothing but the opposite: depressed, depraved and desperate. Lester's wife, played by Annette Benning, is the most success-driven character in the story which renders her the most hopeless in the film's tone of moral conviction. "In order to be successful in life one must project the appearance of success" is the maxim she adopts from the 'king' of real estate, Buddy King. It is a phrase which resonates throughout the film: for Benning's pawn, life is all about keeping-up appearances. This is where Lester differs from her: his emancipation is enabled by him discarding the constraints of 'normal life' and following what his heart desires.

Lester is the catalyst in this narrative in which the ancillary characters either follow suit (as does his daughter and Ricky) or pay the price (as does his wife and the Colonel). The irony inherent in this film, and it grows with resonance as the film draws to a conclusion, is that the only character who truly becomes free must sacrifice everything in order to achieve it. Yet it is through his sacrifice that he is able to afford the surviving characters a glimpse of hope in life. This film left me gasping for air: its hyper-realism conveys, at the same time, a portrait of the suburban comedy, a jolting-shock of realisation, and a cathartic sense of hope. Mendes depicts a certain people who, to varying degrees, all strive for a certain 'American Dream', yet so few actually attain it. Though whilst one may have difficulty with tagging this film with the 'feel good' label, the beauty of "American Beauty" is that it sits half-way between a desperate cry for help and a reassuring sense of happiness and fulfilment and that is cinema at its best. Beautiful...so beautiful American Beauty - Research Paper / Social Issues American Beauty This essay American Beauty is available for you on Essays24.com!

Search Term Papers, College Essay Examples and Free Essays on Essays24.com - full papers database. Autor: anton • March 11, 2011 • 2,123 Words (9 Pages) • 1,435 Views Page 1 of 9 American Beauty A Sociological Movie Review American Beauty, a film that was written by Allan Ball and directed by Sam Mendes in 1999 is a unique piece that demonstrates many sociological themes throughout the development of the plot. The characters strive to portray themselves as the All American Family. They live in a nice house, drive nice cars and seem perfectly normal to the general public, but the audience is allowed to view the deep set issues that plague the main characters; Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), Carolyn Burnham (Annette Bening), Jane Burnham (Thora Birch), and Jane's best friend Angela Hayes (Mena Suvari). As the plot develops there are many obvious parallels relating the lives of the characters to Merton's Strain Theory. As the plot unfolds and we begin to understand the values and emotions of the characters, they can each be categorized into one of the five modes of adaptation discussed in this theory.

Robert Merton was a sociologist in the 1930's who reintroduced Emile Durkheim's ideas concerning anomie, but he applied these ideas to a larger scale rather than focusing on suicide the way the Durkheim had. Merton defined anomie as a "situation that occurs when there is a disjuncture between the goals promoted by society and the availability of legitimate means to achieve those goals" (McIntyre 247). His strain theory is based on this definition and it describes five Modes of Adaptation that people fulfill in relation to their goals. Merton felt that Western society possesses a disjunction between goals and legitimate means to reaching those goals, and under these circumstances "deviant behavior ensues on a large scale" (Merton from McIntyre 167). With these ideas it is easy to conclude that the idea of the American Dream, the belief that hard work leads to success, is in many cases, false. When anomie occurs, people within society respond in many unique ways. Merton characterized the responses of the population into five Modes of Adaptation. The first is conformity.

Conformists are the group of people who are accepting of the goals of achievement and the legitimate means of hard work even though they are not gaining from the completion of their goals. The second mode, innovation, differs from conformity. Innovators pursue societal goals but when they lack the means to legitimately complete their goals, they devise their own means which are not always culturally acceptable. Ritualism can be accurately depicted by the idea of just going through the motions and completing tasks without any effort or thought. Ritualists work within legitimate means but they are not goal oriented meaning that they care little about the tasks in front of them. Retreatists are described by their title. They do not accept goals or legitimate means, they retreat or seclude themselves from society. The fifth Mode of Adaptation in Merton's theory is the mode most feared by society, the mode of rebellion. People within this category rebel against goals and means and rather than conforming to the rest of society, they strive to change it to better suit their needs. All four of the main characters of American Beauty can be placed into one of Merton's Modes of Adaptation. The Burnham family attempts to portray the image of the American Dream.

Carolyn and Lester are successful with their jobs, they live in a normal suburban neighborhood in a beautiful house and they have a seemingly normal teenage daughter Jane. Although these three characters try to conceal their issues, with a slightly closer look it becomes apparent that the Burnham family is severely dysfunctional. This is also true of the Fitz family, but they do not portray a normal appearance as well as the Burnham's. Although we never get to see Angela's family, through her actions and conversations it becomes obvious that she is also dysfunctional. Through the actions of the characters and the events that take place throughout the movie the audience gets a sense of the characters goals and their means of accomplishing these goals. Through this we are able to learn which Mode of Adaptation each character fits into. During the course of the film, Lester Burnham goes through a large change. When we first meet Lester he is living his life as a ritualist. He goes to work every day because that is what he is supposed to do, but he puts in little to no effort and he has little regard for the completion of his goals. He has no motivation. His marriage is failing and he has an empty relationship with his daughter.

Lester says "both my wife and daughter think I'm this gigantic loser, and they're right, I have lost something. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I know I didn't always feel this...sedated. But you know what; it's never too late to get it back" (American Beauty). From this statement we can see that there is going to be a change in Lester over the course of the movie. When he meets Jane's friend Angela we can see an immediate change in Lester. He lusts for her constantly and his life becomes consumed by trying to spend time with her and help her to be attracted to him. He suddenly becomes more enthusiastic about life. He describes this as feeling that he had been in a coma for twenty years and he is finally waking up. After this Lester completely alters his lifestyle. He leaves his job, begins to work out everyday, buys his dream car and starts smoking pot with Ricky Fitz. Before he met Angela, Carolyn was in charge of everything that happened around the house and she made all of the important family decisions. As Lester is experiencing his awakening he begins to contradict his wife and stand up for himself when she tries to push him around.

Rather than just floating through life and letting other people handle everything, Lester becomes his own man and is goal oriented again. As Lester's lifestyle changes, his Mode of Adaptation changes as well. Instead of spending all of his time just going through the motions, Lester becomes set upon the idea of improving himself and his situation. His means of improvement are not necessarily socially acceptable or considered to be legitimate ways to accomplish goals. This places Lester in the rebellion mode. He is goal oriented but his goals are not those generally accepted by society and he uses unconventional and illegitimate means to accomplish his goals. Lester leaves his well paying job and begins working at Mr. Smileys serving hamburgers. He begins buying marijuana from the teenage boy next door and fantasizing about his teenage daughter's best friend. The goals created by society for a man of Lester's background are no longer appealing to him so he begins to pursue ... Character Analysis of American Beauty 1999 Essay - 683 Words American Beauty Character Analysis Essay ...American Beauty Character Analysis Everyone knows the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But is this necessarily always true?

Apparently not to Kevin Spacey as he played the role of Lester Burnham in the 1999 film American Beauty. His rule was "When you've got nothing to lose, you might as well risk everything". Lester Burnham and his wife, Carolyn, portray a... 647 Words | 2 Pages Essay about American Beauty ...Georgio Russell Philosophy Mr. Rulli “American Beauty” Summary and Analysis The movie “American Beauty” is littered with instances of self-surveillance, self-transparency and the un-fulfillment associated with it. It also alludes to how the paradox of maximum happiness can be lethal. These utilitarian views and themes are displayed ingenuously by the director through various characters within the... 1942 Words | 5 Pages Essay about American Beauty Literary Analysis ...Masculinity in American Beauty For many, American Beauty is a sober admonishment of the modern suburban society, a class of “bloodless, money grubbing freaks,” as Lester so eloquently describes Carolyn. Swirled amongst the various social commentaries is a particularly strong and thought provoking perspective in regards to how society constructs gender roles and expectations. This perspective takes on additional importance when...

1598 Words | 5 Pages Essay about American Beauty Analysis 3 ...American Beauty is a complex film that relies so heavily on mis-en-scene and cinematography to portray its message that the story could have been told with no dialogue at all. The film focuses on Lester Burnhan. Lester appears to have the American dream, however he still feels empty. His marriage is falling apart, he has a poor relationship with his daughter, and he is on the verge of a major mid-life crisis. The film shows the many hidden problems in... 1882 Words | 5 Pages American Beauty ...I had seen the movie American Beauty when it was first released, however it was a different experience for me this time. I was closely examining the interpersonal conflict in the movie. The movie is based around the Burnham family. Lester and Carolyn are husband and wife, and they have a teenage daugther, Janie. On the outside they appear to be a normal family. As the movie plays, it is obvious the characters are all a negative result of... 1129 Words | 3 Pages Techniques Developing Character in American Beauty Essay ...of techniques can help the director develop character. To what extent do you agree with this view?

American Beauty is a 1999 American drama directed by Sam Mendes. The film centres on the less-than perfect lives of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) and his family as they are trapped within the confines of the Middle American image. Entrapment is a recurring theme in Mendes’ film—Lester is trapped by the notion... 1543 Words | 4 Pages Essay about Film Analysis of American Beauty and the Graduate ...Film Studies 1800 Sequence Analysis/ Assignment No. 2 American Beauty -From when Carolyn arrives home until the end of the scene with Lester in their living room (Chapter 19: 1:14:35–1:17:40) The movie “American Beauty” literally is trying to express how much beauty there is in America but it is not always so easy to see. Often in the film objects normally thought of as ordinary are... 1311 Words | 4 Pages American Beauty Analysis of Lester Burnham Essay ...Introduction to the Analysis of Lester Burnham When I was told to choose a movie to perform a psychoanalysis on a character. I did not know what movie to choose.

After watching the two hour long film on the multiple characters that seemed to be struggling to find their inner happiness: American Beauty. I knew that I should not look any further. One character that especially stood out was, Lester Burnham. A... 1643 Words | 5 Pages

Question: Lester and Carolyn Burnham are characters in which 1999 film?
Answer: American Beauty