Fear in the Mundane and the American Dream

A retrospective on 'American Beauty'

On September 17th 1999, British director Sam Mendes altered the trajectory of American cinema. The wide release of ‘American Beauty’ neglected traditional storytelling by conveying taboo on screen within the boundary of conventional Hollywood suburbia. The film’s impact on modern filmmaking amounted in five Oscar wins, as well as a controversial legacy now marring its status as a staple of quintessential viewing.

The plot follows Lester Burnham, a sexually frustrated father and husband, living monotonously under the repression of his own desires. His tolerance of the traditional suburban lifestyle begins to consume him, as he becomes disillusioned to the societal normalities within his day to day life. He begins to recognise beauty within the mundanities of suburban living, disengaging with superficial and materialistic ideals. His infatuation with Angela, his daughter’s friend, is a manifestation of existential boredom curating a newfound pursuit of vitality.

‘American Beauty’ plays as a social commentary on the nightmare which seeps beneath the glorified surface of the American Dream. 1999 is recognised as a revolutionary year for American cinema, with studios encouraging the blend between independent and mainstream appeal, and an increase in funding towards unconventional storytelling. ‘American Beauty’ is noted as one of the most groundbreaking releases to come from the ‘Indiewood’ emergence, due to its rebellion and criticism against traditional American suburbia. The cultural observation towards a society so deeply entangled within its patriot catapulted the films ability to resonate amongst audiences. In the late 1990’s, American men were mostly employed within blue collar industries and service sectors. Between 1990 and 2000, finance, insurance and real estate were the leading sector in growth of earnings per job in 25 states, whereas, services held the leading source of employment gains in every state. Throughout the film we see Lester abandon his job as an advertising executive, and step into a low responsibility role as a fast food worker. The rejection of social norms is an ongoing occurrence within Lester’s character, as he attempts to break free from the shackles of his own privilege.

Sam Mendes wrote Lester’s character to be ethically ambiguous, but with media literacy becoming a rare skill amongst audiences, there appears to be little understanding towards Lester’s frustration. Following the films immediate release, viewers connected with the idea of searching for beauty within the mundane. Lester was not viewed as unappreciative, but rather a troubled character, with an alluring charm brought by Kevin Spacey’s career defining performance. Considering Lester’s soul-destroying marriage and bleak job role, it was easy for American’s to sympathise with his character. Suburban living served as an exemplary model for the American lifestyle, with house ownership rising rapidly throughout the mid 1990s. The number of people purchasing cars had also increased during this time, further pushing transport dependency to be a crucial element of living in the suburbs. Whilst the American Dream propelled the vision of homeownership to create a safe and peaceful environment for families, the isolation and lack of diversity have definitely tainted that image. It was inevitable for audiences to be amazed when the film serves as a cultural mirror, deteriorating the polished facade of the American suburban life - once encouraged to be worked towards for external success. Aimed towards a generation lacking personal identity, and generating a discussion revolving the psychological impact of societal pressures, ‘profound’ doesn’t even begin to summarise the impact of this film.

The visual aesthetics of ‘American Beauty’ have contributed to the films iconic legacy, with the use of red roses being symbolic of various themes explored throughout the film. The flower represents beauty viewed at its surface, whilst being rotten at its roots - connoting to the discontent Lester faces despite living an idyllic life. The colour red is frequently used to mirror the characters desires, as well as the superficial nature of their everyday behaviours. During the daydream sequences, where we see Lester fantasise over his daughter’s friend, Angela, the red roses create a visual motif which depicts Angela as a figment of Lester’s infatuation. His lust towards Angela is a manifestation of his search for vitality and meaning within his life.

Red is not only a symbol of his sexual frustrations, but also the danger that accompanies lust. Lester’s death at the end of the film is indicated by the use of red within the final scenes. Angela is seen applying red lipstick, his daughter is laid on red bedsheets, and his wife is wearing a red dress. Red roses are spotted on the countertop beside Lester’s lifeless body, signifying that lust played a key factor his death. His dissatisfaction towards his mundane existence rejected the glory of the American Dream, and his approach to regaining his spirit did nothing but allow for more sorrows.

Over the past decade, the film has been met with critical re-evaluation, particularly due to its predatory themes and casting of a now controversial Kevin Spacey. The film has been labelled as ‘self endulged’ due to its profound messaging towards the themes of American suburbia, and some argue that it’s more preachy than eye-opening. After 9/11 shifted sentiment back to safety and faith in authority, there was a period where anything critical of the ‘American Dream’ was poorly received. Modern audiences have experienced significant economic and cultural shifts which ‘American Beauty’ fails to uncover beneath surface level, therefore they are less likely to empathise with a privileged, white, male protagonist in 2026 because there are larger issues displayed in modern cinema than a man who is unamused by his own privilege. If Lester’s endeavour to re-gain his youth didn’t result in the pursuit of an underaged Angela, viewers would be more understanding of his misery.

The voyeuristic subject matter revolving Lester and Angela has raised more concerns over time, which is unsurprising given the sexual assault allegations against Kevin Spacey, as well as the cultural shift in tolerance to age gaps shown on screen. Media literacy skills are almost non-existent amongst gen z, with cinephiles boycotting the release of anything depicting an age gap relationship. Whilst I believe this is due to the rise in performative social consciousness, I do believe the sexualisation of Angela through Lester’s daydreams is highly innapropriate, given the fact her character is underage. The visual motif of red roses covering her naked body makes for an incredibly unformtable watch, as we view an innocent girl through the eyes of a pedophile. Lester’s attraction towards Angela was not only alluded to, but displayed graphically, despite the lack of nudity and sex. The red roses form an allure around her character which has no reason to be visually interpreted in such an aestheticised way.

The release of ‘American Beauty’ was a defining moment in modern cinema, providing breakout roles to some of the biggest names of the 2000’s. Whilst this film highlights Sam Mendes’ bravery within his writing, I do believe that certain themes depicted have aged poorly and no longer sit well amongst younger, more woke audiences. The aspect of immorality is not challenged in a way which depicts right from wrong in an obvious manner, allowing for Lester’s actions to appear justified through Mendes’ characteristic and allegorical choices. It’s understandable as to why most of it’s praise comes from older men, similar in age to Lester. The feeling of discontent within abiding to traditional societal structures is displayed accurately throughout the film, with technical and stylistic elements strengthening Mendes’ approach to visual storytelling. Although audiences are no longer resinating with it’s profound ideas on American society, ‘American Beauty’ undoubtedly hailed itself as an essential watch by subverting traditional values and societal expectations. There is no demand for a film of this subject matter to be released in this current period - ‘American Beauty’, has become more problematic over time, and less relatable. This doesn’t call for criticism towards the subject matter (unless the conversation surrounds Angela) but it’s perspectives are no longer relevant amongst the younger generation of cinephiles. ‘American Beauty’ has been sucked of its own beauty, leading it to become a gem of the past.