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What is the story of American Beauty?
A telesales operative becomes disillusioned with his existence and begins to hunger for fresh excitement in his life. As he experiences a new awakening of the senses, his wife and daughter also undergo changes that seriously affect their family. Critically acclaimed, this film won Oscars for Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Film.
American Beauty/Film synopsis
Why did Frank shoot Lester?
As for why he was killed— Frank Fitts was in self denial all along. He was homosexual and homophobic at the same time. The only way to resolve the internal conflict was to deny his sexuality to himself and to the society . Lester knew his secret which Frank could not handle.
Who really killed Lester in American Beauty?
Colonel Fitts
Angela leaves the room, and someone shoots Lester, killing him. In a closing montage, Colonel Fitts is revealed as the killer, and Lester describes his epiphany about the beauty of ordinary life. Alan Ball had written only for television before creating the script for American Beauty, for which he won an Oscar.
Why did the colonel kiss Lester?
Frank kissed Lester because: He was under the mistaken impression that Lester was gay. Lester informed him that his wife was probably out cheating on him. His own relationship with his wife was virtually non-existent; this led him to believe that Lester and he were in similar situations.
Who wrote the script for American Beauty?
The excellent script for American Beauty was written by Alan Ball. Spacey plays Lester Burnham, a man who hates his job as an Advertising Executive, is sick of his materialistic wife Carolyn (Annette Bening), and at a loss in terms of trying to figure out how to deal with his teenaged daughter Jane (Thora Birch).
When did the original American beauty come out in theaters?
Theatrical run. On September 15, 1999, American Beauty opened to the public in limited release at three theaters in Los Angeles and three in New York. More theaters were added during the limited run, and on October 1, the film officially entered wide release by screening in 706 theaters across North America.
How much money did American Beauty make in 1999?
Released in North America on September 17, 1999, American Beauty was positively received by critics and grossed over $356 million worldwide. Reviewers praised most aspects of the production, with particular emphasis on Mendes, Spacey, and Ball; criticism focused on the familiarity of the characters and setting.
What is the message of the movie American Beauty?
Hausmann says the film “explicitly affirms the importance of upholding the prohibition against incest”; a recurring theme of Ball’s work is his comparison of the taboos against incest and homosexuality. Instead of making an overt distinction, American Beauty looks at how their repression can lead to violence.