American Beauty (1999), directed by Sam Mendes.
American suburban culture is spotlighted in this Oscar-winning classic. Critically evaluate what you identify as the movie’s main point(s) and message(s), particularly as a statement on American culture, the suburban landscape and way of life, and the “American Dream.” As a cultural landscape, you may want to discuss how the American suburb is treated in this movie and what social and cultural attributes are assigned to this landscape by the writers. Is it a critical commentary? If so, how, and what attributes of this landscape and way of life are being critiqued? Do you agree or not? And how does the movie relate to the concepts and topics discussed in the course? Which concepts are illustrated in the movie? Additionally, if applicable, you may want to compare or contrast the movie’s portrayal with your own experience.