Main Plot
A sexually frustrated suburban father has a mid-life crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter's best friend.
American Beauty | 1999
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Characters
- Kevin Spacey's character in American Beauty is a middle-aged man who becomes infatuated with his daughter's friend, leading to a series of events unraveling his life.
- Annette Bening's character, Carolyn, is a materialistic and controlling wife whose unhappiness contributes to the unraveling of the plot.
- Thora Birch's character, Jane Burnham, is the angsty teenage daughter of the main character and plays a pivotal role in the film's exploration of suburban dysfunction.
Ending
(*spoilers*)
In the final moments of American Beauty, Lester Burnham is shot and killed by his neighbor, Colonel Fitts. As he lies dying, Lester reflects on the beauty of life and experiences a moment of clarity. The film then shows various characters dealing with the aftermath of his death, with some finding redemption and others continuing to struggle. The closing shot reveals a plastic bag floating gracefully in the wind, symbolizing the fragile and transient nature of existence.