Analytical Essay On American Beauty

American Beauty delves into the lives of an upper middle class family living in the suburbs. From what I gather, Lester Burnham who played by Kevin Spacey is the main character in an overall sense. He is a father to an introverted 16 year old daughter, Jane. The movie also follows Lester’s wife, Carolyn Burnham. American Beauty reveals all the hidden struggles and sins under their otherwise perfect lives.

As aforementioned, Lester Burnham is the main character. The movie centers around him and his “mid-life crisis.” He loses his job, buys a new a car, and explores different avenues in life. Lester comes to face Erikson’s generativity versus stagnation stage. With the changes and realizations he comes to, he is forced to decide whether he will focus on his own creativity or “turn outward from the self towards others.” (Boyd & Bee, pg. 27).

Before he loses his job, Carolyn and Lester seem to be well known socialites. Lester loses his job, and he goes to work for a fast food restaurant. His overall status changes by choice and by circumstance. This is exemplified when he goes out to smoke marijuana outside a party while his wife mingles inside. Lester’s perceived social role has shifted from that of his wife’s.

During this social roles transition, Carolyn cheats on Lester with a well-established real estate agent. This can be explained by assortative mating or homogamy because, “partnerships based on homogamy are much more likely to endure than are those in which the partners differ markedly.” (Boyd & Bee, pg. 354) Lester and Carolyn’s relationship did not endure infidelity because their social roles shifted. Carolyn cheats on Lester, and he explores fantasies with his daughter teenage friend,