Family Film Overview of the American Beauty
Why do many people find American Beauty disturbing?
American Beauty may be the first Sam Menders’ feature film that focuses on such ideas as love (paternal and romantic), beauty, materialism and sexuality. It shows all the issues which Lester Burnham faces (Kevin Spacey). Lester is really a 42 yrs . old man, who's afraid to be older. His wife Caroline (Annette Bening) ignores him and his daughter Jane (Thora Birch) doesn’t love him. They think Lester is a chronic loser. “I’ll be dead in per year, ” – his constant thought at the start of the movie.
“In a way, I’m dead already. ” The movie could be the story of his awakening. Lester’s world rolls inverted the day that he meets Angela (Mena Suvari), his daughter’s classmate. It's wrong and amoral for a man in his early 40s. And also this theme disturbs the society. But why people genuinely believe that such type of Lester’s behavior is disturbing or uncomfortable?
From the very first scene we understand that the Burnhams are in a loveless marriage. All they require is to change their life. And struggling with young and beautiful teenage-girl, Lester does foolish things. He lost everything on his method to happiness.
I think American Beauty just isn't cruel or uncomfortable. Yes, there are some sexual scenes, but this movie is not about depravity as you may think. It is about our loneliness, depression and struggle. It shows us our life in general with all the current joy and love, and also passion we feel for others. All of the dialogues and actions rise questions concerning the real beauty. Beauty can result in happiness, if it's true beauty. So , why it must disturb us in what way we have been looking for it?
Reference
American Beauty (1999) Film review; Dad’s dead, and he's still a funny guy. By Janet Maslin Published: September 15, 1999. http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review
