Analysis Of The Film American Beauty
As the film American Beauty, released in 1999, comes to a close, Lester Burnham final arrives at peace as he realizes the beauty that is depicted in the title. Be as is may, he is suddenly met with his ultimate demise, but not before his penultimate realization. Although this film is coming upon nearly two decades old, the cinematography cannot be undermined, nor can the message as it becomes ever increasingly relevant in today’s society. For that, American Beauty is the quintessential movie that should be revered in the canon of great films. Constantly throughout the film, the recurring idea of beauty brings eventual peace upon some, while others are met with harsh realities; for them, the American dream becomes quite simply, a nightmare.
American Beauty is a microcosm of American society. Many people are condemned to live in a prison of one kind or another, and that is no different for the Burnham family, regardless of their suburban paradise. For Lester, his prison is his job, while for his wife, Carolyn, it is the idea of perfection. Both of their prisons control and inhibit them, whether they come to know it or not. For Carolyn, as a realtor, it is her job to be the eye for perfection and presentation. Although these are great characteristics to have as a successful realtor, presentation blinds her from seeing any real beauty for what it is in all aspects of her life, as a result of solely striving towards perfection. She becomes too infatuated with the outward appearance of beauty that she often hides much darker things beneath the surface. Carolyn is the embodiment of much of the American population. One might begin to question why most of the American populous exudes great public confidence, and yet, holsters such private doubts.
American Beauty is a microcosm of American society. Many people are condemned to live in a prison of one kind or another, and that is no different for the Burnham family, regardless of their suburban paradise. For Lester, his prison is his job, while for his wife, Carolyn, it is the idea of perfection. Both of their prisons control and inhibit them, whether they come to know it or not. For Carolyn, as a realtor, it is her job to be the eye for perfection and presentation. Although these are great characteristics to have as a successful realtor, presentation blinds her from seeing any real beauty for what it is in all aspects of her life, as a result of solely striving towards perfection. She becomes too infatuated with the outward appearance of beauty that she often hides much darker things beneath the surface. Carolyn is the embodiment of much of the American population. One might begin to question why most of the American populous exudes great public confidence, and yet, holsters such private doubts.