Within the Introduction to film Studies classes we are able to explore the visions interpreted as we view a movie. One such movie in which I have analyzed is American Beauty, written by Alan Ball, and directed by Sam Mendes. American Beauty is a movie that leaves a lot left to explore. The content of this paper is not to find the meaning but rather take a journey with an unorthodoxed lead actors role throughout a wonderful movie.Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), is a middle-aged man whose life is already destined. Through his eyes, we see the trivial motions in which he travels. His mundane lifestyle leads us to believe that there is little hope or yet realization that this man can overcome his pain. Occupying his home is his estranged wife Carolyn (Annette Bening), and his typical teenage daughter Jane (Thora Birch).Lester is made out to be a helpless man. His methods are manipulated in a sense that allows us to feel almost certain empathy. He has little control in his household and is belittled by both Carolyn and Jane. Throughout the movie though, Lester experiences a sort of resurrection. With the help of a few key characters he is able to overcome a mid life crisis and turn into an admirable leading man.The movies breaking point, or at least Lesters', comes as he is introduced to his neighbor Ricky Fitts (Wes Bentley). As Lester creates his own environment at a social gathering with his wife, Ricky introduces himself. Although just a caterer Ricky is the first to offer a realistic concern. He sees a distraught man and takes a simple moment to introduce himself. As the two create a conversation Ricky brings Lester back to a time when things were easier. Although chemically induced Lester takes note of Ricky's flair and applauds his decisions to not necessarily care for the fact that he had just been fired from his job. I feel as though this is where the movie begins to turn. Lester takes heed the idea that there is so much more that ...
