FREE ESSAY ON FILM STUDIES

FILM STUDIES

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 he has forgotten. He becomes a client of the apparent deranged
neighbor and begins a circle that would bring him back to his more energetic days. Upon
realizing the importance of himself as a central power Lester puts more emphasis on who
he is. Although he is also swayed by Angela Hayes (Mena Suvari), Jane's friend, Lester
comes out from his shell and opens up into a new world.
After creating a few financial ventures Lester leaves his job with a years severance and
full benefits. He quickly manages to start where he left off by getting back his original
working experience. Rehired as a short hand cook at a fast food joint Lester brings
himself back to his happiest point in life. When all that mattered was good times, women,
and eight tracks no one really sees how much lighter he has become.
There are definitely more underlying notions that suggest more of a story but I feel that
the main concern is the transformation of Lester. His unsatisfied sexual drive becomes
retriggered with the help of Angela. It seems as though it is an innocent crush on his
daughter's friend but as the two build off of each other he becomes more engulfed and
looks right passed his wife's new pleasures. His views are realerted to a time when
beauty was his concern and innocence was a virtue.
As the movie rolls on Ricky becomes closer with Jane. Between the two, there is a
realization that is formed. Ricky's videos explore a surreal world that Jane has always
been a part of but has never known. The two help each other deliver comfort and for once,
they can relax to the world's glare.
Lesters transformation begins to have an apparent effect to his wife Carolyn. She does
not understand his views and yet never takes the time to effectively see where he is
coming from. Just as you see the two come closer than they had, Carolyn ruins the moment
with a comment on the possible destruction of a material object. Lester enjoys the moment
for what it is and from here, we know that there is no further advancement between the
couples relationship.
An awkward portrayal of realization in the movie is Colonel Fitts (Chris Cooper). Armed
with a manipulated Marine corp mind we see a person whose views have totally been
branded. His own wife Barbara (Allison Janey) lies within hysterics and it is safe to say
that he is at full fault. Seeing only what he has been drilled on the Colonel loses both
his mind and life After interpreting his own thought on the circumstances between his son
and his neighbor he falls to his inner desires and acts on his insanity. After
discovering that he has unearthed tendencies he was unaware of and unaccepted towards, he
does all that he has left. With a single gun shot, he takes out his worst nightmares and
at the same time someone who he never quite got to know.
American Beauty, in comparison to other movies, does maintain a certain level of
narrative structure. The common goal seems to be that Lester is in search of a finer
life. Although in a demented way he finds the sweeter side, we see him reach what he
sought for.
Throughout the movie, I searched myself towards the idea of realism and clarity. I feel
that the realism is practical and in comparison to classical Hollywood. It allows you to
believe that the events could take place or in the least within your mind, you can see
the actuality. The clarity could be a struggle because for me, there is a deeper movie
that is within. I can honestly say that I try to put myself into the eyes of the
character. I want to feel the same way so I can understand how it was that the director,
and writer, wanted the movie to be. Clarity is as important to any movie because it
allows you to see. It lets you feel emotion and explore from there. By letting go for two
hours, I could feel Lester. In a way, its importance is more rewarding than anything else
because you can thoroughly enjoy or deploy vision.
This is where the difference is between classical Hollywood storytelling and today's
modern edge. Although I find it unfair to judge what was to what now is I see today's
movies as more unrestricted. We are allowed to be challenged in thought rather than
dictation. I think that this allows writers, producers, and directors to explore more and
because of this, we are rewarded with deeper entertainment. 
It is apparent to me that the life chose by Lester is similar to the ones that we all go
through. There contains realization that sometimes we overlook what it is that we
originally held close. Everything we thought we wanted only becomes things we wanted
after we have them. The search for happiness lies beneath and although we search, the
simplest of things keep us free. Lester witnessed this throughout the film. He had
everything which was nothing and traded it all for himself. There was life, beauty,
simplicity and innocence. Lester's thoughts demonstrate a perfect example. Upon finding
what really is important to yourself, within your world  I Rule!