Miss All- American Beauty

An American Beauty rose, as known as Miss All- American Beauty is a fragrant hybrid tea rose, capable of lasting long as a cut flower. The rose is known as America’s national flower. Unfortunately it is prone to decaying and rusting (Jo). In Sam Mendes’ award- winning film American Beauty, these roses can be found throughout. Besides the roses, each character involved is chasing after their version of American beauty. The film’s title is appropriate, it is the reason that the whole plot revolves around the characters’ form of American beauty. The American beauty roses are seen in various scenes as they stand out to viewers as they appear in specific scenes. As the plot unfolds, the viewer can take notice that just as these beautiful roses are prone to decay; the characters’ own American beauties are prone to being just illusions, easily destroyed. A man of discipline, Col. Fitts has an unexpected role within the film. His form of American beauty is a military family. After serving the country, he wants to relocate his family into suburbia and lead an ideal family life. Everything becomes out of hand as soon as the Fitts family moves in. Col. Fitts’ neighbors are the Burnham family and partners Jim Olmeyer and Jim Berkley. Upon the Fitts’ move in the homosexual neighbors, reach out and welcome the Fitts’ to the neighborhood. Col. Fitts is at first not excited for the fact that someone is at their house, but gets even more frustrated when they introduce themselves as partners. Through most of the film, the Col. is heard muttering homosexual slurs, and makes the viewer think that he is homophobic. During the scene where Ricky and his father are in the car, Ricky expresses some horrible statements about homosexuals. Col. Fi...

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...theory of being forever young (VisualNews.com). Lester Burnham’s mid-life crisis surrounded the fact of aging and reversing the process with being a care-free soul, indulging in teenage activities. Americans like getting attention as a whole country from others, and Angela through her stories gets the attention and even the popularity she needs to feel worthy. The beauty presented in Sam Mendes’ film American Beauty is different for each character and what they are in desire for. The character’s believe that there versions of American beauties will bring them happiness, but what the plot expresses is the complete opposite. The characters are not happy they are in search for the beauties that they think will be the most ideal. As the movie unravels, the characters’ beauties brought upon them darkness. The characters are confused at what is actually good for them.