by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright March 28, 2000
All Rights Reserved.

irroring the darker side of life, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded its most coveted prize to the black comedy American Beauty [Dreamworks SKG, 1999]. Taking its deserving place in movie lore, the film cleverly unmasks the pretenses of conventional life—marriage, family and work. Unlike majestic epics, American Beauty softly touches the interior world of unconscious dreams and fantasies deeply repressed by ordinary people sleepwalking through their mundane routines, rarely acknowledging unsightly realities. Judging by the public’s response, aesthetics still count, especially for hip vehicles of modern art like movie-making, whose mass appeal remains unequalled. No other medium unearths so many thoughts, feelings, and, yes, values with such depth, sensitivity and precision. Whether revolted or mesmerized, American Beauty met the test by reaching into the heart and soul of its audience. Small by grandiose standards, its psychological impact packs a wallop for curious viewers.

       "I really liked the film," said president Clinton, whose own personal experience strangely parallels the repressed life of the film’s main character, Lester Burnham [played by Kevin Spacey], whose inner frustrations with his cold and uptight wife, Carolyn, [played by Annette Bening], drive him to perverse but common sexual fantasies—especially a yen for teenage girls. When you consider the Lewinsky sex scandal, it’s a chilling testimony of how dysfunctional relationships know no political or social boundaries. From the poor house to the White House, the beat goes on. Those railing against the 'depravity' of American Beauty—or Hollywood—remain victims of their own blinding denial, unable to face the unspeakable inconsistencies in their own lives. Clinton’s impeachment fiasco reminded politicians—and indeed all Americans—that the president’s foibles were truly a sign of the times. Pointing the finger seemed disingenuous and phony. Shameful as his indiscretions were, they were the same mistakes made by countless and nameless Americans. What he did under oath before a grand jury was another matter.

       American Beauty invites its viewers to look into the mirror, endure the frustration, admit the hypocrisy, and accept the inevitable reality of what Freud euphemistically referred to as "civilization and its discontents." Few people are lucky enough to get all their needs gratified. Life’s filled with disappointment and frustration, accomplishment and fulfillment. Certainly Lester’s character exaggerates his weakness as a husband, father and employee. Blaming the film for glorifying nihilism or preaching depravity misses the essential point that 'ordinary' people possess all kinds of glaring weaknesses—and strengths. Lester’s biggest asset is his honest self-appraisal, leading him to crack out of his shell, abandon his denial, and stop living out a charade. Like most endearing characters, it’s easy for people to identify with Lester Burnham, whose politically correct behavior finally gives way to refreshing authenticity.

       Suggesting that this film underscores all that’s wrong with Hollywood or contemporary culture badly misses the message that dysfunction is a way of life. Adults, adolescents and children are products of their environment—good, bad or indifferent. Whether Lester relieves his frustrations in the shower or carries them throughout his day is anyone’s guess. What’s all too evident is that his life wasn’t working based on society’s neat little blueprint. Finally willing to take some risks, he opted for authenticity over acting like a smoke-blowing automaton. Preaching family values doesn’t erase the inescapable truth that those preaching the loudest are often the most dysfunctional.

       Annette Bening adroitly portrays the materialistic, ice-cold spouse, whose self-indulgent obsessions are equally perverse in their own right. From her own affair to her inability to relate on any level to her husband, she epitomizes the end of innocence, brilliantly depicting cynicism and contempt for life. Personifying arrogant superficiality, Carolyn vividly displays how she and her husband have gone in opposite directions. Caught in the middle and acting out her parents’ dysfunction, her daughter Jane [played by Thora Birch] is found doing the typical teenage thing. Experimenting with drugs and sexuality, she’s trying her best to cope with a bad situation. More dysfunctional than she is her friend Angela [played by Mena Suvari] whose flirtations and precocious—but phony—sexuality rouses Lester’s cadaver-like romantic yearnings. Despite almost crossing the line, Lester returns to his senses and spares the audience an act of child abuse.

       Like Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, director Sam Mendes’ maiden voyage in movie-making takes his main character to the precipice, but somehow doesn’t take the fatal plunge. For those mesmerized by the Lewinsky sex scandal, the same can’t be said of president Clinton. Taking his presidency to the brink, he went over the line with Monica Lewinsky and paid a draconian price. While some trivialize the act, many wonder why someone with so much to lose would take such foolish risks? Film-makers frequently exaggerate their characters to make a point. Thrill-seeking and brinkmanship always make high drama, especially when it involves high-profile celebrities and powerful politicians. Whether you’re an average Joe or a superstar, most people can relate to the downside of a phony existence.

       American Beauty earned its prize because of its artistic appeal and extraordinary level of psychological accuracy. Those in denial will protest against its message. But those with their eyes a little more open can use American Beauty as a starting point to re-evaluate themselves. More than a sad testimony to modern suburbia, the film mirrors the inner strivings of individuals from all walks of life, forever seeking that elusive commodity known as happiness. While Hollywood bashing is a trendy pastime, American Beauty holds up an unsightly mirror to middle America whose small town soap opera is all too familiar. Whether it’s in your backyard or the Oval Office, it’s still an American Beauty.

About the Author

John M. Curtis is editor of OnlineColumnist.com and columnist for The Los Angeles Daily Journal. He’s director of a Los Angeles think tank specializing in human behavior, health care, political research and media consultation. He’s the author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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