American Beauty

Lester Burnham

American Beauty opening

• Lester is trapped. There are visual and auditory clues throughout the film for example; his face reflects into his computer screen behind the bars of data showing. That is an obvious clue that he's trapped some aren't so obvious like the first shot when he's in bed and the shadows are covering him. Another is the repetitive music that shows he's stuck in a rut, then there re the shoes he puts on when he gets out of bed this shows he's being controlled by his wife. Then there's a shot of Lester behind the shower doors and one of him staring out of the window as if he wants to escape. Finally there's the car seating arrangement, usually it is kids in the back Mum as the passenger and Dad driving, but for Lester it's his wife driving, kid in the passenger and him in the back.

• Colours create an atmosphere. The house is completely neutral colours represents Lesters boring life, however there is a motif being used throughout. The motif is of a Red Rose, it appears when Lesters wife is pruning her roses and again on his daughters jumper. There are splashes of red and blue throughout, the colours of America, red, white and blue.

• The music can create an atmosphere also. Motif's aren't just visual but auditory too (think James Bond theme) the repetitive music shows Lesters routine, boring life and lack of excitement. The repetition can become annoying as if it is nagging him, creating an awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere.