As I am on a journey to explore all the movies directed by Sam Mendes, I recently watched “ American Beauty” again. I like Sam Mendes movies because I enjoy character-driven narratives. The way his films focus on a character’s inner conflict and dissatisfaction is something I find appealing. His characters are typically multifaceted, revealing complex layers as the Story unfolds.
The movie begins with Lester Burnham, who is unhappy with his life — dissatisfied with his job and marriage. One day, when Lester sees his daughter’s friend, Angela, he becomes obsessed with her, and his obsession motivates him to change his lifestyle. Lester quits his job, starts working out, and even buys his dream car, something he has always wanted. He tries to find happiness and freedom, much like he had in his earlier life.
Lester’s wife, Carolyn, is a real estate agent obsessed with success and appearances. She begins an affair with a professional rival. Their daughter, Jane feels disconnected from her parents. Recently, a boy named Ricky Fits moves into the neighborhood and starts a relationship with Jane. Ricky sees beauty in ordinary things and continuously makes videos, including one of Jane.
As the story progress, we see each character trying to improve their lives and fill the emptiness behind the facade of the American Dream. The film ends with Lester’s experiencing a brief moment of true happiness and peace, only to be shot and killed. Despite the tragic, end Rickey considers this moment one of the most beautiful ones because of the peace and happiness on Lester’s face.
So let’s see some key themes that are evident through the characters in the film
In this movie, there is a deep exploration of happiness. Lester Burnham and his wife, Carolyn, are caught up in the pursuit of the traditional American Dream, where success, money, and social status are considered most important. In this pursuit, They neglect their desires and emotional needs. Lester reaches a point in his life where he feels that his job, marriage, and lifestyle are not bringing him happiness. Carolyn, who outwardly appears to be a successful and independent woman, not to make herself happy.
The film raises the question of where true happiness and contentment come from. Is it only found in having a good job, a big house, and a happy family? The movie suggests that even with these external achievements, a person can still feel empty and unfulfilled on the inside. Therefore, the definition of happiness should not be determined by social values or expectations. true happiness comes from understanding and fulfilling one’s desires and emotional needs, rather than merely chasing after external success and validation.
Lester’s attraction to Angela reflects his midlife crisis and the search for his lost youth. He wants to free from his boring life and experience something new and exciting. Angela’s beauty reminds him of a time when he felt more free and happy. Lester had been suppressing his desires due to societal expectations and moral values, but his attraction to Angela is an attempt to break out of those constraints.
Similarly, Carolyn’s affair is also a result of her insecurities and dissatisfaction. The film suggests that sexuality and desires are important aspects of human life. It is essential to understand and accept these desires, rather than repress them to feel ashamed. When we suppress these desires, it not only causes problem in our own lives but also affects the lives of those around us.
In the movie, Colonel Fitts exerts excessive control over his son Ricky, driving his own insecurities and internal conflicts. Colonel Fitts keeps a close watch on every aspects of Ricky’s life and constantly tries to control him. This behavior not only undermines Ricky’s self-esteem but also tension and distance within the family.
As a result, the Colonel’s home becomes a place of conflict and stir. The strained relationship between Ricky and his father demonstrates how such controlling behavior exacerbates stress and creates rifts within the family.
The title “American Beauty” asks what true beauty is. Ricky’s ability to find beauty in ordinary things and capture it on film suggests that the real beauty is found in the small, everyday moments of life.
The film challenges us to think about whether they see the same kind of beauty in their own lives, or if they are too focused on superficial success and appearances. it invites a deeper reflection on what beauty really means and emphasizes the importance of appreciating the fleeting, beautiful moments in life.
I think the message of the film is true beauty doesn’t come from external wealth or social status but from the simple, precious moments in life. Ricky’s videos capture these moments, showing their significance and reminding us that real beauty often lies behind the surface.
Thank you for reading
