American Beauty Flashcards
How does Lester criticise the lack of morals in society when asked to justify his position?
‘Okay lets all sell our souls and work for Satan cos its more convenient that way’
How does Lester express his dissatisfaction with his life at the start?
‘Both my wife and daughter think ‘m this gigantic loser and they’re right, I have lost something. I’m not exaactly sure what it is but I know I didn’t always feel this sedated. It’s never too late to get it back.’
Carolyn
‘SHe wasn’t always like this. She used to be happy once. We used to be happy.’
Why is jane unhappy?
Because of the lack of genuine emotional connection with her family: ‘It would be nice if I was anywhere as important to him as she is’.
How does RIcky show a genuine curiosity and appreciation for people:
‘I just think you’re interesting’
How does Ricky show morbid curiosity underpinned by appreciation of beauty?
When you see something like that, it’s like God is looking right at you, just for a second. And if you’re careful you can look right back’. ‘There was this incredibly benevolent force that wanted me to know there was no reason to be afraid.’ Sees beauty in the transience and finiteness of life. This sensitivity to the world comes from having endured a difficult childhood with his father. Makes insecurities of Jane and Angela seem insignificant.
What shows her obsession with maintaining a facade of perfection?
‘See the way the handle on her pruning shears matches her gardening clog? That’s not an accident.’
What is one reason why Carolyn internalises her emotions?
Due to the ‘added pressure of being the sole breadwinner’
How does Lester address Carolyn, shifting from his previously passive aggressive dialogue?
‘You’re one to talk, you bloodless, money grubbing freak.’
What shows Lester feels oppressed by Carolyn?
‘Your mother seems to prefer I go through life like a fucking prisoner while she keeps my dick in a mason jar under the sink’.
How does Lester become free from his family obligations?
I am sick and tired of being treated like I don’t exist. After finding out Carolyn is having an affair: ‘You don’t get to tell me what to do ever again’
How does Carolyn have an intense emotional response to her own fallibility?
‘Shut up. Stop it. You…weak’ Physical externalisation of internal conflict.
How does ANgela show she is empowered by attention from men?
‘It means I have a really great shot at being a model. There’s nothing worse in life than being ordinary’.
Sees herself as a litmus test of sexuality: ‘I don’t believe him. He didn’t even look at me once’.
Angela flirts with Lester who has now developed the self-confidence to flirt back. Angela is startled by his response and a little uncomfortable. She uses men’s sexual desire for her as a source of power but when prompted to deliver, is rendered powerless.
What shows Carolyn values images?
‘As you now my business is selling an image. And part of my job is to live that image’.
Telling Lester to act happy tonight, outward projection matters more than internal emotions.
Marriage quote
‘This hasn’t been a marriage for years. But you were happy as long as I kept my mouth shut.’
