American Beauty

American Beauty

Year: 1999

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Sam Mendes

Drama

A poignant drama about a man named Lester Burnham experiencing a midlife crisis. Dissatisfied with his stagnant life, he begins a transformative journey that challenges the conventions of suburban existence. His unconventional behavior causes friction with his wife and daughter, who find it difficult to understand his sudden change. As Lester seeks freedom and joy, his attention turns to Angela Hayes, the alluring friend of his daughter Jane, leading to a provocative exploration of desire and identity.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – American Beauty (1999)

Explore the full timeline and setting of American Beauty (1999). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in the contemporary era of the late 1990s, a period marked by consumerism and shifting societal values. This backdrop serves as a canvas for the exploration of mid-life crises and the quest for personal fulfillment.

Location

Suburban America

The movie predominantly takes place in a typical suburban setting, representing the facade of an idyllic family life. This environment encapsulates the struggles of middle-class existence, highlighting the emptiness often found beneath the surface of American suburban culture.

🏡 Suburb 🌆 Community

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

Main Characters – American Beauty (1999)

Meet the key characters of American Beauty (1999), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey)

Lester is a disillusioned magazine executive undergoing a mid-life crisis, caught in the web of his unfulfilling life. His transformation from a passive figure to someone who embraces change highlights his yearning for freedom and authenticity.

🌱 Transformation 🤷‍♂️ Mid-Life Crisis 💔 Discontent

Carolyn Burnham (Annette Bening)

Carolyn, Lester's wife, is depicted as a driven and neurotic woman who becomes embroiled in her own struggles for success and validation. Her attempts to maintain control lead her to desperate measures, reflecting the cracks in their marriage.

🚪 Desperation 💼 Ambition 🔥 Infidelity

Ricky Fitts

Ricky is the enigmatic son of Frank Fitts, who finds solace in documenting the world around him. His perspective offers a unique commentary on life's beauty and serves as a catalyst for Lester's awakening.

📷 Filmmaker 💭 Dreamer 🌌 Observer

Angela Hayes

Angela is Jane's friend and the object of Lester's infatuation. Her character embodies teenage allure and naïveté, playing a key role in the story's exploration of desire and the superficiality of beauty.

🌺 Allure 👩‍🎤 Cheerleader 💔 Desire

Frank Fitts

Frank is a retired US Marine colonel whose strict demeanor and controlling nature create tension within his family. His character represents the challenges of masculinity and the impact of a toxic upbringing.

🏅 Discipline 🧨 Violence 😡 Control

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

Major Themes – American Beauty (1999)

Explore the central themes of American Beauty (1999), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌹 Beauty

The theme of beauty is interwoven throughout the narrative, symbolized by Lester's obsession with Angela and the red rose petals. It reflects the notion that beauty can be found even amidst chaos, urging the characters to seek deeper meaning in their lives.

🌀 Escapism

Escapism emerges as a significant theme in the film, represented through Ricky's obsession with filming and the symbolism of the plastic bag. These moments encapsulate the characters' desires to transcend their mundane realities and connect with a more profound sense of freedom.

😔 Discontent

Discontent pervades the story, particularly within the Burnham family dynamic. This theme explores the characters' struggles with unfulfilled desires, societal pressures, and the pursuit of happiness, ultimately driving them towards rebellious actions.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

Unlock the Full Story of American Beauty

Don't stop at just watching — explore American Beauty in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what American Beauty is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

American Beauty Summary

Read a complete plot summary of American Beauty, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

American Beauty Summary

American Beauty Timeline

Track the full timeline of American Beauty with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

American Beauty Timeline

More About American Beauty

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about American Beauty: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About American Beauty

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