Movie Analysis : American Beauty

The American drama film of 1999 named American Beauty was directed by Sam Mendes, and written by Alan Ball. This movie has many themes related to each other. The themes are conveyed through excellent cinematography, through the plot, and characterization. The central themes of this movie are about materialism, denial and repression, appearance versus reality, loneliness versus feeling connected, and beauty. This movie tries to address all the viewers that a conformist lifestyle would lead to dysfunctionality, and should not be pursued.

The central message which this movie delivers is beauty in American culture is dysfunctional. The film portrays that people in American culture prefer to be more materialistic and selfish. They dream to have good jobs, two cars, house in the suburb society, lavish life style. This film tries to portray the “ideology of the American Dream”. I totally agree with the interpretation given in the analysis. The first thing that prompts me to side with the analysis is the idea of abstemious. An individual should not value materialistic life more than aesthetics. A person should not consider material accumulation as means to happiness, and ignore the importance of relationship. The movie scene that shows that materialism should not be preferred over a relationship is when Lester tried to kiss Carolyn while they were lying on the couch. She almost submits to the moment when she finds out that Lester is about to spill beer on the couch and warns him. To Lester's frustrated yell she replied that this couch is worth $4000 and made out of Italian silk. This shows that materialism is more important to her than her family. On the other hand, the neighborhood boy is more sensible than Carolyn. He knows the importance of life. I believe that Rick is seen as a ...