Scene from American Beauty (1999)

Producer(s):

• Producer: Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks
• Co-Producer: Alan Ball, Stan Wlodkowski

Companies: DreamWorks Pictures, Jinks/Cohen Company

Genre: Comedy Drama, Drama, Flashback Film, Lgbt-Related Film, Romantic Comedy

Awards:

• Won 5 Oscars. 112 wins & 102 nominations total

Similar:

• Maybe I Do (2023)
• The French Kissers (2009)
• The Ninth Configuration (1980)
• The Entertainer (1960)
• The Adventures of Pinocchio (1996)

Keywords: adultery, age difference, camcorder, cheating, cheerleader, closeted homosexual, coming of age, coming out, dark comedy, dysfunctional family, dysfunctional marriage, estate agent, exercise, existential, extramarital affair, first time, gay theme, loneliness, love affair, marijuana, midlife crisis, neighborhood, parent child relationship, quitting a job, realtor, retired army man, rose, satire, sexual fantasy, singing in a car, suburbia, teenager, virgin, voyeur

Lester Burnham, a suburban husband and father in his mid-40s, falls into a deep depression due to his unfulfilling job, loveless marriage to real estate agent Carolyn, and tense relationship with their daughter Jane. Lester's life takes a turn when he develops an infatuation with Angela Hayes, a sexy cheerleader who is Jane's friend. Meanwhile, the Fittses move in next door: Colonel Frank Fitts, his wife Barbara, and their son Ricky. Ricky becomes smitten with Jane, while Colonel Fitts harbors a secret attraction to Lester. Lester, feeling rejuvenated by his crush on Angela, decides to quit his job and embrace his newfound liberties, much to Carolyn's dismay. He starts exercising, growing marijuana in the backyard, and videotaping himself in sexually explicit ways with Angela, who he believes shares his feelings but actually just finds him amusing. Jane discovers Ricky's affection for her and they begin a relationship, while simultaneously trying to expose Colonel Fitts' abuse of Barbara. Carolyn, meanwhile, becomes involved in an affair with Buddy Kane, the top real estate agent in their neighborhood. The story culminates in a series of revelations and confrontations between all parties involved, ultimately leading to tragic consequences for some characters.