This page was last updated on April 24, 2000

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LOOK CLOSER
Subject: American Beauty
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002
From: Donovan

 All of you are missing the point to American Beauty. Two words sum up the entire film, and it's even posted on the video cover: "look closer." The movie is about false fronts that we tend to erect to hide who we really are. There is more than what is on the surface; things are richer and deeper than they appear. Ricky knows this, and Lester finally realizes it. But he's just too late. But, we can tell, at his death, he was the happiest he had ever been in his whole life. Not all of us will be that fortunate. So, as tragic as his death was, it was truly beautiful.
Donovan

RESPONSE TO YOUR COMMENTS
Subject: American_Beauty
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2002
From: SEC

Note: again please do not reveal my email address, thank you.

Response: Thank you for your honest reply. I can appreciate that. And you are right, the movie is not for everyone. I did not mean to come across as mean spirited. -David

RESPONSE TO MATT
Subject: American_Beauty
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001
From: Jason

this is in response to "God does not like certain films":

dear Matt,
I find it macrably amusing that you would suggest that God (if He watches movies) would not like films that portray violence and the devil in a negative light and allow people to make moral choices based on the mistakes of others(as both the Devil's Advocate and American Beauty clearly show that the characters have made mistakes). Furthermore, that God would approve of a movie that glorifies war, or makes heros of anyone who would say, "don't shoot, let the bastards burn!". Please examine your own moral hypocrasy before you misinterpret an artist's comment about a subject you obviously don't fully understand.
sincerely, Jason

THE COLOR RED
Subject: American_Beauty
Date: Sat, 29 Sep 2001
From: Twinky

hi David, I had a question about American Beauty. I watched it recently, and I did like it, although I was kind of disturbed by the twisted morals in it. I don't rely on movies for my morals but it seemed that we were supposed to admire the guy for all this positive change that he was making, and yet all of it was over some cheerleader he was lusting after. That part really bugged me: the constant sex theme throughout the whole thing. Well anyway, one thing kept popping up: RED. I noticed that in Moulin Rouge, most of the review is directed towards the colour symbolism issue. However, I noticed an obvious recurrence of red throughout the movie and it wasn't even mentioned. "The house with the red door" is how their house is recognized. The red flowers in all his fantasies. The red roses always present in their house. At the end, the red blood splattered on the wall. His red car. The red roses between him and Angela as they nearly have sex, if you watch that part of the movie you notice that there is constantly something red between them: a table, the roses, until the last part when they are almost intimate. A boundary, maybe? A certain bridge? I found it very symbolic of something, but what? I appreciate your comments.

Response: I will have to view the film again. Perhaps you are on to something. -David

MY TWO CENTS WORTH
Subject: American_Beauty
Date: Mon, 10 Sep
From: James

i am new to the HJ site, but love the concept let me say first off! I have not read every post on AB thoroughly, but people seemed to have missed what was one of the, if not THE, main messages in the film for me - Kevin Spacey finaly realising that he was searching for happiness in the wrong place - that he was projecting his real needs onto his daughter's friend (sorry it has been a while and cant remember all the names now! must see it again soon).

NUDITY IN AMERICAN BEAUTY
Subject: American_Beauty
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2001
From: "Jon Senior"

I've just looked at your site for the first time after seeing it featured in a Shawshank Redemption documentary, and (to be honest), it's a much better experience than I thought it would be - contains a great deal more open minded-ness than many a Christian website would - only the title, perhaps, is a deterrent, but that's a cultural difference, I guess!

Anyhow, it's late, and I'm not awake enough to write much, but I just thought I'd drop in my thoughts on the nudity in American Beauty. For all some have commented on it's graphic extremes, I find the opposite to be true, and I think the nudity is actually handled in an unusual and thought provoking way. When Jane undresses for Ricky in the window, it's hardly an erotic act - it's her attempt to make a connection with another human being. The film has already shown her alienation from the people around her, and it is as if she simply cannot think of another way to express herself. This may be disturbing, even uncomfortable, but it's hardly arousing! When Angela is uncovered by Lester towards the end of the film, it seems to me to be one of those rare occasions when the nudity is fully justified by the context. Lester is finally achieving his dream, but when the moment comes, the 'sex-object' of his fantasies becomes a vulnerable, nervous person, little more than a child. It is at this point that Lester realises that everything he's worked towards in the film has been misguided and worthless. Little coincidence, I think, that after this encounter, his thoughts turn to his daughter, and her needs - albeit in the brief time when he remains alive.

I think American Beauty is a truly fantastic film. It may seem bleak, and perhaps it is bleak, but it's also inspiring. The characters are all on a path for something greater than what they are. All try different ways of achieving this, and all ultimately fail. People have complained that none of the characters turned to God and found fulfilment, but that's what happens in life. After all, if Lester had had sex with Angela and suddenly become happy, or if Caroline had divorced Lester to start a new life, and suddenly become happy, this surely would have been worse - the characters achieving happiness without God.

Anyhow, my brain won't process much more at this stage of the day! Keep up the work!
Jon Senior

Response: I totally agree with you. -David

AWEFUL!
Subject: American_Beauty
Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2001
From: SEC

I know people are saying that this is a "Black Comedy" that shows the way society is with out God...Jesus. To me this movie displayed America's deprivaty! Yeah, most Christians seem to feel it is an excellent movie! This has really surprised me! Why, because the profanity, the sexual content...two scenes of masturbation ( one in bed with his wife, the other, part of the opening scene as he narrates from the shower) and the seeming acceptance of homosexualilty as normal. Even if you feel this is really going on in the suburbs or all over America the movie had no moral ending. Most of the people in the audience were laughing and cheering...especially when he dreamed about the young cheerleader. Also, when the cheerleader realized that Kevin Spacey's character had a crush on her. How disrespectful the cheerleader was talking about her friends father in that fashion. Rather, you feel this dialoque reflects todays standards for conversation or not it breaks one of the commandments: honor your father and mother.

Maybe I am not explaining this correctly due to the fact that I am soooooooo disappointed in all the most see and this is realilty movie comments from Christians. Is it just me or doesn't viewing such mess stick with you and make you numb to the sex, profanity, etc.? Duh!!! (Speak for yourself)

As Christians, we are to avoid as much of this mess even if we believe their is a deep seated hidden message! (You're opinion)

We to can fall prey to the world...watch out! Most of the people I talked to said the young drug addict/dope dealer was so deep and the best character. How strong and focused he was. Plus, he had out smarted everyone and had a savings of approximately $46,000s. With his awlful Marine Core dad, who could blame the kid for his lack of feelings and amazement at seeing blood qushing out of his neighbors head! These are adults speaking mind you! How could a movie with the only hero being a lying, drug pusher/addict minor child be good for Christians to view?

Does this movie edify God? (Apples and oranges. Did Mary Poppins edify God?)

Does this movie edify Jesus Christ? (Does Disneyland? Does Bugs Bunny?)

Does this movie reflect Christian morals or even mention God? (Why, does it need to mention God? Does the book of Ruth mention God?)

The Green Mile did... with less profanity,sex, etc. The only reason I sat through this movie was to see what happed to the central character, who at the beginning of the film states that with in a year he would be dead! I was truly hoping that the movie would show a moral base... that I or any other movie goer did not have to read between the lines. Most people did not see the evil and ugliness, they just stated that, this is how life is! Oh, how I pray for our country and the world!

Response: Your grids are not well thought out. Your grids would dismiss most G-rated family films, too. Additionally, why would you expect a secular film to hold to your "Christian" views? Does being a Christian mean not viewing movies like American Beauty? In reality perhaps, you just found the film personally offensive, and that's okay. To be uncomfortable with a film is perfectly legit. Just don't become judgemental of other Christians for not having the same opinions or feelings as you. Be at peace. Thanks for your thoughts. -David

REVISITING AMERICAN BEAUTY
Subject: American Beauty and Traffic
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Steve Forsyth"

I revisited this film again after seeing the movie Traffic. I think it's interesting the contradictions coming from the same industry (Hollywood - yes I know they are from different studios, but it's the same industry in the end). In Traffic, though the film makers atemted to remain mostly neutral in their views, still they showed the dark reality of drugs and the evil that comes from it - certainly an anti-drug film. Yet, look at American Beauty from a few years earlier. The catlyst for the freeing of Kevin Spacey was has embarkment into drug use. The one 'grounded" character amidst all the fake people was the drug dealer. Drugs in this film are a positive thing.

I tried defending this film for awhile from the harsher critics, claiming the film was trying to show us ourselves in a way that might cause us to change some of our thinking. But I really regret that now. I think a much better film could have been made with all the same elements but without unnecessary nudity (meant to arouse) and showing more definite harm coming from the drug use and total self-indulgence of Spacey's character. As it is, Spacey is 'freed' when he leaves responsibility. A most irresponsible message, I think.

Again, I don't think the intent of the filmmakers was to turn us all into pedophiliac, drug-using, family churning people - but I think he should have been a little clearer with just what was wrong with this picture.

SOME THOUGHTS
Subject: some thoughts
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001
From: Val Schuetze

I went to see American Beauty with a non-Christian friend. I must admit that I have usually tried to steer clear of movies like that, just on principle. I had some thoughts on leaving the theatre....
1) I was very disturbed by the depictions of lust and near sexual intimacy between a middle aged man and an apparently underaged girl. I found it kind of sickening.
2) The nice home, nice yard, nice family was all a sham. To me it implied that anything like that in real life is simply a sham---it can't be real.
3) The gay couple were comfortable with who they were and were "whole", at least much moreso then the nice all American family
4) Looking for sex as the answer, in whatever form
5) That the "homophobic" next door neighbour was in fact a twisted sick individual with more problems than almost anyone else in the film and in fact a closet homosexual himself.

Yes, there was some "redemptive" value in this movie, but it also attacked as facade and hypocrisy the "apparently" happy American family (close that front door and everyone is faking it!) People who think that homosexuality is wrong are the twisted ones ( wait till you close THEIR front door...it's the worst one yet!) It's what people out there think, and sadly it's true in many cases....but somehow it only serves to feed the overall cynicism instead of reveal that there are good people out there, even when their front doors are closed......
Val Schuetze, Canada

BAG IN THE WIND
Subject: American_Beauty
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
From: Shanna

I only discovered this site and watched this movie for the first time yesterday. I fell in love with both. I was left with a feeling of being so small, so lucky, and so beautiful. For me the most emotional and uplifting part of the movie was when Ricky was showing Jane the film of the bag "dancing" in the wind. The way I interpreted that was this. It shows us that while something might seem to be something small or un-important or un-interesting, that all it takes is another force or person, to make it meaningful, to give it life. This is what Ricky did for Jane. She was feeling alienated from her parents, she was fighting with her best friend and she was feeling despair and loneliness. Maybe just un-important. Then she finds in Ricky the soulmate that she so desperately needed. She only seemed truly happy when she w! as with him, like the previously lifeless bag that dances withbeauty in the wind.
Shanna

COLONEL FITZ AND OTHER MATTERS
Subject: upside down
Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000
From: Steve

I saw a short behind-the-scenes of this film in which some of the characers suggested that the only "happy, normal" people on the street are the gay couple. The very people we would try to convince are unhappy in their "sin." After watching the film, I had a hard time deciding if the film-makers wanted you to dislike its characters, feel sorry for them, laugh at them, or be inspired by them. I suppose they didn't want to be preachy about anything - but I guess I'm one of those viewers who need more resolution. What happens to the family after the murder - what happens to colonel fitz?

I think it was particularly interesting that this film was nominated alongside The Green Mile. In this film, the theme seems to be that there is so much beauty in the world, and we should grab all of it that we can, despite how it affects those around us - while in the Green Mile, the theme is that there is so much evil in the world, and the most honorable thing we can aspire to is to reach out and make as much good out of it as we can! I think I like the message of the latter film much more.

LIKES REVIEWS ON HJ
Subject: Hollywood Jesus
Date: Mon, 07 Aug 2000
From: Craig Schiller

Hi David, I just came across your site today, and I wanted to thank you for your intelligent and perceptive reviews. Particularly your review of "American Beauty", which was one of the most insightful reviews I've seen of what I consider by far my favourite movie of 1999. Such a profound and ironically uplifting statement about a culture that looks for satisfaction in rose gardens and dishes and pretty teenage girls instead of in nurturing our souls and our hearts.

Also, thank you for recognizing in your review of "Contact" that faith and science need to walk together -- I've simply never understood the argument that scientific findings are in any way incompatible with faith. In fact, the more science unveils the vast complexity of the way things really work, the more I see a divine hand guiding it all. I don't see science as replacing God; I see it as leading to a deeper understanding of how He made all of this come to be.

The whole idea of Christian movie reviews has been on my mind for a few weeks now, ever since a friend of mine e-mailed me the URL for a Christian movie review site which he considered seriously misguided. After reading several reviews, I agreed. The site missed the social commentary inherent in such flicks as "American Beauty", "American History X", "Magnolia", "The Matrix", "Fight Club" and "South Park". A lot of movies I love were held out as horrible examples of Hollywood morals gone awry -- even "Star Wars" lost marks for not being *explicitly* Christian. (Never mind that it's already one of the most obviously Christian metaphors in the history of film.) And in "Keeping the Faith", which I found to be absolutely delightful, the site actually felt it somehow necessary to note that the rabbi lived his spiritual life without Jesus. Like, duh, maybe he's Jewish.

I often end up feeling conflicted about my religious beliefs, because I simply can't agree with many of the more vocal Christians on many issues. Whenever I read the Bible, I see a Jesus who befriends the outcasts of society, who works on behalf of the poor, and who insists on love rather than moral judgment. I don't see a Jesus who advocates punishing evolutionists and homosexuals and non-Christians. I see a Jesus of universal love, not one of moralistic judgment. I see a Jesus whose salvation and love are there for everybody. I see a Jesus who cares more about what's in your heart than He does about whether you follow the letter of the Mosaic Law.

Every once in a while I need a little reminder that I'm not the only sane Christian in the world, because quite often the trends I see within Christianity are even more discouraging than the ones I see within popular culture. So thank you again for engaging pop culture in a more meaningful and enlightening way than some of your other peers on the Internet.

Craig,
who'll be sharing your site with a few friends

Response: Thank you for your kind remarks

GOD DOES NOT LIKE CERTAIN FILMS
Subject: Dear David..
Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2000
From: Matt

Hi David, I want to start out by saying I really admire your website. It's a blessing to be able to look into visual movie reviews before seeing them to actually get an understanding of the themes and symbolism hidden inside. A few movies here and there I didn't really agree with but some movie reviews were so right and so true.

I still don't honestly feel that God would want us to watch such movies as Devil's Advocate or American Beauty, because despite it's true meaning and message, it comes across very graphic and God would not want us to fill our minds with something that can be a stumbling block in our christian walk. God really wouldn't want us to watch movies with profane language, sexual content and graphic nudity. It doesn't build our relationship with God and it's important to sit down God next to us while watching the movie and think would God like that movie.

Don't get me wrong though, there are many R rated films that have been portrayed in a graphic way that I feel God would be pleased with. Films like Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot, or Glory are some examples because in order to portray a movie on war you must show it's brutal nature. Anyways, I still agree with what you believe in and I'm pleased to see that God is using this site to benefit many others. Take care David and I hope the Lord continues to be a blessing in your life.
Sincerely, Matt

Response: For me, I found deep cultural significance in both American Beauty and Devil's Advocate. If you feel that these types of films are dangerous for your spiritual walk with God -then stay away, for sure. I think, however, your vision is somewhat narrow and focused more on the carnal aspects of a film rather that the spiritual. Thank you for your kind thoughts. -David

RICKY AS A POST MODERN CHRIST FIGURE
Subject: A closer look at Ricky American Beauty
Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000
From: Rob Marus

I just this past weekend watched "American Beauty" for the first time and also stumbled across your website this morning after doing a Web search in an attempt to find Christian commentaries on/reviews of the film. I greatly appreciate your insightful review as well as the comments of others who have posted their thoughts. However, I also found links to other "Christian" reviews of AB in my search, and, predictably, they were not nearly as insightful. I think the reaction of so many Christians to this movie exemplifies much of the problem that many modern American Christians seem to have with engaging the culture in any meaningful and profound way. I would tend to agree with the lost world's worst stereotypes about Christians -- as bigoted, hateful, ignorant, small-minded, knee-jerk-reactionary, selfish hypocrites obsessed with other people's sexuality -- if my only exposure to those claiming to be followers of Jesus was through some of the more indignant "Christian" reviews of AB.

That having been said, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SITE!

And, on to my actual comment on the film: My most profound reaction to the movie was identification with Ricky as a post-modern Christ figure (with "post-modern" serving mainly as a euphemism for "pot-smoking"...) who leads the movie's other major characters to their respective redemptions. This explains Ricky's momentary end-of-movie marvel at the beatific expression he finds on Lester's dead face: He knows Lester has found his redemption at the last possible moment. I know one commentator raised the idea that Ricky was actually a Satan figure (with which interpretation I would respectfully but vehemently disagree), and others have noted how Ricky is the only "real" character in the movie, but I didn't find anyone else on your site talking about Ricky-as-Christ-allegory. Any thoughts, y'all?
Grace & Peace, Rob Marus
(p.s. I'd rather you not post my e-mail address should you choose to post any part of my message on your site).

Response: You are right about Christians failing to engage the culture. You are right about Ricky being "real." Ricky is a gentle soul and is Christ like in that regard, I think.

CAUTION ABOUT NUDITY
Subject: Take Caution When Looking for Christ on Satan's Canvas
Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2000
From: Steve

Am I naive to wonder why a film with such a "good message" should include erotic nudity? I'm glad for your efforts to find meaning in the films of our culture, however, I think there is also a responsibility we have to set no unwholesome things before our eyes. My decision to see this film is not based on a notion that I am better than you guys who have (that's your decision). But my decision not to see it is based on honesty with myself to know that I cannot watch a film that includes sexual nudity - it's like an ex-drug addict attending a RAVE, just not a smart thing to do.

But my question again - if this film had such a positive message to preach, why must it mire it down with graphic nudity? If the participants of this film are trying to steer us all away from this kind of America where men lust after young teens, then why is Mena Suvari now diplayed on so many men's magazines in panties and bikinis and open shirts? Magazines for men to take home and lust after.

I applaud your efforts, but let us make sure we disinguish between the intentional and the accidental. I don't think for a minute that God had any input into this film at all. I can concede that the film makers may have had some good intentions, but the result is a sad comment on what American cinema thinks of as a positive message. I think you are fooling yourself when you find a stray Christian reflection in a film like this. I enjoy many movies myself (yes, R-rated movies also). But I know when there is a line not to be crossed. I can see enough from the film clips, the sex-sells advertising, and the sexplotation of its young stars, that this is not a place to look for Spiritual insight. Sometimes, ya just gotta use that brain!

Now, please don't read this as an attack on you or this wonderful site. Most of these convictions are more personal than Biblical. I just don't want alot of weaker or younger Christians out there to stray down a road they may not know how to navigate. If messages such as this film are so important (and I believe they are), then we should be the ones out telling our friends and neighbors, not the Hollywood Sex Machines!

Response: The "erotic nudity" was a short flash of female breasts. I thought it was a whole lot less then what it could have been. It was hardly "graphic nudity." You are right that it has to do with the viewer. If this film produces such feelings in you, yes, stay away. Movies are often a poor source of spiritual insight. The Bible is a better place. Thank you for your kind words.

TAOIST OR ZEN?
Date: Fri, 09 Jun 2000
From: Rev. Mike

Was it just me or was there not a lot of Eastern thought being promoted in AB? I don't know if it would be correctly identified as Taoist or Zen, but both Ricky and Lester seem to come to the conclusion that "everything is going to be OK in the end - things have a way of working themselves out." The damage done by pursuit of materialistic pleasures is clearly shown, and that ties in with the Buddhist idea of liberation through freedom from desire. I would welcome response by someone more knowledgable about such things.
Thanks, Mike

AMERICAN AESTHETIC
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000

The title can refer to various sorts of American Beauty; that is the fun of titles. Before I saw the film I thought the reference was soully concerning my former peer, Mena, who I had heard through gossip of my high school friends was the "love interest" in a big film. I thought the old girl to be a bit bony for my taste. Call me Victorian. But after viewing the film I was more sensitive to the film as a critique of American aesthetic. Any creation takes into consideration the audience. And the various responses of Americans on this page seem to validify the film's expectations. There are the more conservative moralist perspectives in the US which go so far as to boycott certain films and film companies because of R-rated or amoral content, and then there are the fully morally deprived Americans who like the look of fresh blood on a white tile wall. There are those who love Pulp Fiction, and films like Alien, or Blue Steel who celebrate rabid violence and sexuality, the purely corporeal experience the "just do it" motto which has been commodified by Nike. But this is the posmodern American romantic movement. NIKE which is greek for VICTORY ties in an ancient authority acknowledging this sentimentality. This victory of Lester's, this conquering of the nulear family, the reinstatement of the dominant male figure over the opportunistic modern female who supports the state while the man is off at "war" or something representing nothing more than male bonding (Lester's body building: which attracts the war-veteran) while the women bear the real burden. This is romantic to Americans! This is just one of the things Americans find appealing about the film. Even American women on this site have responded positively to Lester's self-liberation. David is right in thinking that American's can learn about themselves in this film. The answer may not be to grasp this flimsy confused and increasingly amoral aesthetic as does Lester but to love the family before it happens. It is a thought. Proaction versus reaction. That Americans also find beauty in trash blowing around on a low resolution camcorder screen is also highly appalling. Can one not find beauty until nature and experience are already transformed into images of themselves. Can something not be beautiful until it is made into a film with an appropriate manipulation of reality via special effects? This is a truly American sickness, though we cannot limit this culpability to America proper because the entire world has for at least a century become infused with "Americanism." I'd expect Germans to have similar aesthetic, though maye not identical. But then again we imported our government to them too in the 1940's. People praise the film because it is a veritable, "snapshot" of American culture of the present, but this need for an image of onesself shows the limitation of the American viewer to analyse his own circumstances without multiple layers of self- reflection, that serve to distort rather than clarify the analysis.
Please post this email with my address for responses.
LVB1@cornell.edu Lucas Vincent