Homosexuality In American Beauty

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American Beauty (1999) is a film depicting the dark side of the typical suburban american family. As well as the price and nature of beauty in a society obsessed with appearances. Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, is a man in his mid-40s going through an extreme midlife crisis; he has grown cynical and is certain that he has no reason to continue this life that he has regretfully been apart of. Lester 's relationship with his wife Carolyn, played by Annette Bening, is cold and devoid of most emotions. On the surface Carolyn attempts to display the image that she 's in full control of her life, however inside she feels empty and desperate for something more. Their teenage daughter Jane, played by Thora Birch, is persistently depressed, lacks overall self-esteem, and certain that she is unattractive. Jane’s …show more content…
Homosexuality is also a theme discussed in the movie as the next door neighbor Colonel Fitts, played by Chris Cooper, believe that his son Ricky, played by Wes Bentley, wrongly believes that he is engaging in sexual encounters with Lester.
I believe that American Beauty does present a fair representation of sex, as it depicts an honest and actuate view of sex and relationships in todays society. However, I do not believe that the movie depicts a health view of sex as the movie shows infidelity, the use of sex to fulfill a need, and deceitful acts regarding sexual activity and virginity. Sex within American Beauty is used as a means to feel superior as seen through the actions of Angela, by lying about her sexual actions this makes her feel better than everyone else she associates herself

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