American Beauty

American Beauty - directed by Sam Mendes


Lester Burnham is one of the main characters in 'American Beauty' and these are my first impressions of him from the short time i watch the start of the film:

• He Is Lazy
• Submissive
• Bored/Fed Up/Disappointed With His Life
• His Wife and Daughter Are Disappointed With Him
• He Has Given Up
• Pessimistic
• Expresses Regret ('Life Wasn't Always This Way')
• Fond Of His Daughter, Cares About Her
• Loser
• Neutral/Boring Colours Were Used, Like Lester?
• He Is Trapped
• Has a Monotone Voice

Ways in which Lester Burnhan is TRAPPED:

• Behind Bars In The Computer Screen
• Sits In The Back Of the Car, Prisoner or Childlike?
• Looks Out Of The Window Behind The Frame
• Behind The Shower Screen
• Wears Slippers - Trapped By Wife?
• Lies In The Shadows Of His Bed
• Feels Like He Is Only 'Let Out' To Go To Work
• Bottom Of The Family Hierarchy

Ways COLOUR is used in interesting ways:

• Red Roses On Daughters Jumper (Motif)
• Red Roses In Front Garden
• The Colours Red/White/Blue Are Used A Lot
• Red/White/Blue = American Flag
• Boring Colours - Boring Lester Burnham
• Neutral Background Colours Make Brighter Colours Stand Out

Ways MUSIC adds to the atmosphere of the film:

• Repetitive
• Awkward Sounding
• Uncomfortable
• The Music Fits The Visuals

Link to 'American Beauty Part 1'