American Beauty

In American Beauty, the notion of materialism and the outer image being projected is often shown as being more important than emotional, human relationships throughout the film. Director Sam Mendes thus leads on to the superficiality of the American Dream concept, the emptiness of human relationships Initially, the film introduces us to Lester Burnham and his wife, Carolyn, who one level are an American Dream couple who have built a comfortable life for themselves and Jane. However, you may note in a research paper that on another level, they are portrayed as being a joyless, miserable couple with a clarified emptiness of human relationships between the three characters, who have to some extent been consumed by superficial needs such as materialism and image. Empty relationships are also exhibited through the characterization of the Fittses family. Ironically, the gay couple living next to the Burnhams is perhaps the most functional couple in the film. In particular, Lester proclaims at the onset of the film that in a way he is "already dead", and while the couple used to be "happy", they no longer are. Lester is personally stuck in a marriage that is "just for show", "a commercial for how normal we are when we aren't"; in a job which he heartily loathes; a daughter that he hasn't communicated with in months and a signified lack of meaningful human relationships. Soon within the play, Lester starts to realize that he needs to live his life as he wants to and take a second chance at achieving true happiness. This turning point is inspired, unexpectedly, by his fantasies regarding a school girl he meets at his daughter's cheerleader performance.

Consequently, he attempts to live life as he wants to, and gradually builds up relationships. This attempts leads to the ongoing question of whether or not one is in control of his/her fate. On the other hand, Carolyn is portrayed as being immersed in a lifestyle with materialistic values, and seems to value success over happiness; while she attempts to project an outer image of happiness which often breaks and when alone, she gives away to her inner pain and misery. The nature of her materialistic life is perhaps best demonstrated through the scene where Carolyn and Lester make out; at one point Lester asks Carolyn when she became so 'joyless' and reminds her of their previous happier experiences, but Carolyn stops him saying that he's going to spill beer on the couch. Carolyn's morals of success over happiness later facilitates her relationship with Buddy Kane, which initially starts at envy rising out of not being able to compete with him; and then admiration and finally succumbing to his might. Their daughter, Jane, is also caught up in a materialistic lifestyle, lacking anything of true value and beauty; and responds to it by adapting a cynical attitude. However, to a certain extent but not the level that Ricky exhibits, her outward appearance does represent her true personality. To learn more on American Beauty, use our custom essay writing service.