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American Beauty

Picture
...look closer at the most talked about film of 1999.  A funny, moving and shocking journey through life in America.

...look closer at fortysomething ad man Lester Burnham and his status-seeking wife, Carolyn, as their marriage and lives slowly unravel.  Lester's wife hates him, his daughter Jane regards him with contempt, and his boss is positioning him for the axe.

...look closer as Lester decides to make a few changes in his life; the freer he gets, the happier he gets.  But Lester in about to learn that the ultimate freedom comes at the ultimate price.

...look closer at an acclaimed cast led by the brilliant performances from Kevin Spacey as Lester and Anette Bening as Carolyn.

...look closer at a "flat-out masterpiece" (Rod Dreher, New York Post)


'American Beauty' Official Trailer

Clcik to view the official trailer for the film 'American Beauty'

'American Beauty' Study Guide

Click to download notes and information on the film.
american_beauty_study_guide.pdf
File Size: 189 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


The Making of 'American Beauty'

View the videos in order to access behind the scenes footage and get an insight into the ideas, inspiration, and themes of the film directly from the director, screenwriter, and actors.

american_beauty_play_script.pdf
File Size: 394 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

'American Beauty' Play Script

Click on the file to access a copy of the play script.  This will be really useful to read, especially when focusing on dialogue.
*Please note it is 110 pages long, so don't print it...

Key Scenes...

Click on the following scenes for a closer analysis of the film.  Chart the development of Lester Burnham throughout the film, and pay particular attention to how his relationship with his wife is symbolic for his mid-life crisis.

* Please note that expletives are used in these clips as the film has an R16 Certificate.

'American Beauty' Film Analysis

Click on the link to download notes and information of the film in the form of an essay by Sean Kavanagh.
american_beauty_film_analysis.pdf
File Size: 209 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


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