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American Beauty Essay

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American Beauty Essay
American Beauty Essay 2
Question (a) A successful film offers an insight into our own society. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Many successful films provide insight into our own society. This is observed in the film ‘American Beauty’ by Sam Mendes, which presents us with the idea of the American Dream/Materialism which is also relevant in today's society. In this essay I will explore this idea by linking our society to what is portrayed in American Beauty, along with the aspects of characters, setting, and themes. This is shown through the character Carolyn Burnham, the neighbourhood and place they live, the idea that true happiness is not found in material items and supported by the use of cinematic techniques.
The first way that this idea of ‘American Beauty’ is portrayed is through the link it has to today's society. In a world where consumerism is part of life, there is a common perception that having the latest trends portray a better image and therefore leads to greater happiness. Although people believe this, consumerism actually leaves them without happiness. This is highlighted in people that may appear to be happy through the image they project to everyone but deep down they are actually unhappy. This is shown in American Beauty as it explores the nature behind closed doors. Sam Mendes uses the Burnham family as an example of the misconception around the American dream and materialism. In the film American Beauty, Sam Mendes portrays a family that has everything; a nice house, car, perfect garden etc. It even shows the character Carolyn who isn’t happy unless she projects an image of success at all times which is shown through the items she has. The main reason that the idea of the American Dream/Materialism relates to the society we live in today is due to the fact that we have a never ending need for the next best thing to make ourselves look better. Sam Mendes purposely uses the Burnham family to get this idea across to the viewers
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