American Beauty - What it all Meant

2024 ж. 22 Мам.
640 652 Рет қаралды

A thematic analysis of American Beauty. If you have a question please ask below and I will get back to you as soon as possible. If you disagree with my interpretation please be polite and state your case with examples. This is a learning experience for everyone and I am happy to be proven incorrect if that be the case. Thank you!
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  • The idea of "joy in small things" is really a reference to the joy of being. In other words, joy isn't derived from anything at all. It comes from a state of acceptance, of being at peace.

    @roarblast7332@roarblast73327 жыл бұрын
    • I can agree with that.

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • Thank you. I could phrase it a dozen different ways, but this is the essence. Whatever you want to call it, it's as Lester says at the end, letting it flow. If you try to hold onto it, beauty, you'll never have it. Just be.

      @koomba0@koomba05 жыл бұрын
    • That’s so true very wise

      @user-rl2rw3tp6s@user-rl2rw3tp6s3 жыл бұрын
    • You're right. And even though joy can come from outside of yourself, from moments that show themselves to you, you have to be in a state of acceptance & peace like you said to not just receive it but welcome it.

      @cecilwhinter@cecilwhinter3 жыл бұрын
    • Which if anything, goes AGAINST the American ideal. That's the brilliance. We're always told to strive, compete, & never settle.

      @QuietlyCurious@QuietlyCurious2 жыл бұрын
  • I believe this is the kind of movie that's just getting better and better to you as you get older.

    @florencetj@florencetj7 жыл бұрын
    • Yeah, it hit me really hard in high school, but now I know more people that are like these character

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • Thank you for sharing your insight, Mate :")

      @florencetj@florencetj7 жыл бұрын
    • Floren Nakajima exactly what I thought! when i first saw it, I was 12 years old and thought it's boring. I'm 18 now (i know i'm still very young) and i've watched it at least 5 times at different age and every time it's so cool to think back how I used to think about that film. absolutely fell in love with it at 17.

      @kasskapis@kasskapis6 жыл бұрын
    • So right. I just rewatched it at 24. I remember watching it in my teens and sneak watching it when I was really young. It’s such a great movie.

      @gj3042@gj30425 жыл бұрын
    • Like wine.

      @sunny2kG@sunny2kG5 жыл бұрын
  • People always think they want stuff but they actually want happiness. They spend their entire lives chasing after it but fail to ever grasp it fully

    @Winchester-xw8uy@Winchester-xw8uy7 жыл бұрын
    • Pure happiness is when you're a child i reckon. As you get older you just have snippets of fun.

      @some_randomninja@some_randomninja4 жыл бұрын
    • @@some_randomninja Pure happiness as a concept doesn't exist, I don't think. Ups and downs are inevitable in life, no matter how healthy, wealthy, and full of love your life is. The idea that you all you have to do is obtain this one thing, then you'll be happy forever, is just impossible. Happiness is a feeling, an emotion, not a lifestyle. The way I see it, happiness comes in waves, and you really have to be present in the moment to accept the opportunity to ride that wave when it comes by. That's how you fully appreciate the ups, now as for the downs... I think it helps if you find a way to enjoy the times in between those waves happiness, or atleast come to terms with them instead of letting yourself feel stuck or worse, actually causing yourself to be stuck by giving up and settling into the cesspool instead of continuing to try climbing out of it. The "bad times" we go through don't have to be the "worst times." Finding a way to still enjoy things and letting yourself love the people in your life as well as seeking comfort in them, is the best way to use the downtime. But a lot of people just say to themselves "well this fucking sucks" and they sit in that shitty attitude, and that only makes it worse, and last longer. What's worse is when they fully give up. Then... you could lose years of your life, or for some people, they never find a way out of that, and are lost forever from that point. Long story short, try and find new things in life to love, and appreciate the things and people you already love, because surrounding yourself with good people is really more important than you'll probably ever be aware of.

      @Jack-rk7jc@Jack-rk7jc4 жыл бұрын
    • Happiness is a byproduct

      @Meisterling@Meisterling4 жыл бұрын
    • @@Meisterling calmness is an inate quality of the mind and its often mistaken as a hole that needs to be filled with stuff like phones, cars,etc

      @Mayu1505@Mayu15054 жыл бұрын
    • ​@@Jack-rk7jc The great misstep of evolution occurred once homo sapiens gained consciousness. Before, we acted on instincts of hunger, sexual reproduction, and survival. However, with the addition of consciousness, humans now spend the entirety of their brief existence searching for the elusive feelings of "happiness" and "love". Although some may feel they have obtained these imagined emotional states, in reality, they have merely released certain chemicals in their brain. Despite the darkness and nihilistic nature of our futile existence, we somehow manage to get out of bed everyday.

      @paoloromano3759@paoloromano37593 жыл бұрын
  • American Beauty is a true masterpiece. One of my favorite films of all time.

    @rocker5202@rocker52027 жыл бұрын
    • Martin Dean He's probably American, we don't use the "u" in such a way.

      @HaythamThorn@HaythamThorn5 жыл бұрын
    • You know shit is good when you say film instead of movie

      @theoneandonlyspook1312@theoneandonlyspook13125 жыл бұрын
    • why? it's not really a feel good film. by the end of it you feel like there's no point to life. what's good about that?

      @olegdepapa@olegdepapa5 жыл бұрын
    • @@olegdepapa the fact that this film was able to evoke that particular emotion for you is skillful in itself.

      @DDTSik@DDTSik4 жыл бұрын
    • i slept on this film and been watching clips definitely watching soon

      @spderman123@spderman1234 жыл бұрын
  • as a kid in the nineties we didn't have much money and I was jealous of the families in this movie.. Then I got older and pitied them. The beauty is anywhere and everywhere though in truth.

    @AlchemicalForge91@AlchemicalForge917 жыл бұрын
    • Hell yeah....

      @bruce4303@bruce43037 жыл бұрын
    • i hear that!

      @peteowen5860@peteowen58607 жыл бұрын
    • Amen brother

      @roastedturkey2484@roastedturkey24847 жыл бұрын
    • Joe Urban I feel you bro. Peace

      @MrAns786@MrAns7867 жыл бұрын
    • MWAH me too

      @elizabethbennet4791@elizabethbennet47916 жыл бұрын
  • American Beauty and Fight Club gave such good representations of the corporate 90's

    @stuartevans1351@stuartevans13517 жыл бұрын
    • Office Space and the Matrix are also good ones.

      @more.marshmallows@more.marshmallows7 жыл бұрын
    • What about Glengarry Glen Ross. Loved that one too.

      @SolusBatty@SolusBatty7 жыл бұрын
    • And American Psycho

      @222browneyes@222browneyes7 жыл бұрын
    • +Sue Donym isn't american psycho about a bunch of 80's yuppies

      @LexCreeps@LexCreeps7 жыл бұрын
    • Genuine//Imitations It was a perfect, graphic and somewhat comedic critique of corporate (mostly Wall St workers) in the 90s. A beautiful portrayal of the superficiality and meaninglessness of that lifestyle.

      @222browneyes@222browneyes7 жыл бұрын
  • The symbol isn't just of a "rose", and while your words on that make sense, it's not what was intended. The "American Beauty" is a breed of roses, so the title refers to this breed of roses that while being pretty and appealing in appearance, is often prone to rot underneath at the roots and branches of the plant. Thus, the tagline "...look closer" tells the viewer that when they look beyond the "perfect suburban life," they will find something rancid at the root.

    @CinephiliacProdction@CinephiliacProdction7 жыл бұрын
    • It's not only the rose it's also the color red like when the camera focuses on the red door near the end

      @williamchristie2921@williamchristie29217 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks, I didn't know this but it makes a lot of sense!

      @nppappapaannnnp@nppappapaannnnp7 жыл бұрын
    • Everyone has a different perspective.

      @333br@333br7 жыл бұрын
    • @ Yummy Sounds. I would agree with this. This movie is what you choose to make of it IMHO. I tried to articulate to someone why "American Beauty" is one of my favorite movies of all-time and I just couldn't put my finger on it. Of course, it's a scathing indictment of modern American life at the surface, but it's more of a philosophical movie to me. As Sam Mendes (the director) said "It was amazing that a movie where the pivotal scene is a dancing plastic bag, was embraced and understood so greatly." The "Plastic Bag Scene" and Spacey's monologue at the end, make that movie for me personally. Just pure beauty. No pun intended. Beauty and happiness are fleeting in life and not even Rickey's video camera could hold on to either.

      @seminole17910@seminole179107 жыл бұрын
    • CinephiliacProdction Excellent

      @blacjackdaniels200@blacjackdaniels2006 жыл бұрын
  • People make fun of that thing with the dancing bag...but IT'S REAL. I was walking down the street one day when a plastic bag jump right in front of me and did a miraculous dance. It was like ballet but with a bag! Then, this bag followed me for two blocks as I walked down the street! I'll never forget the look on this cat's face as he watched this bag trailing behind me as we passed by his front lawn. Hollywood isn't always full of crap (just most of the time).

    @johnellizz@johnellizz7 жыл бұрын
    • PROVEN FACT VIDEOS you were probably smoking that same stuff Ricky Fitts was

      @blacjackdaniels200@blacjackdaniels2006 жыл бұрын
    • There is a whole life behind things, Search "Truth Contest" and read the top entry called The Present. The truth will set you free

      @YogiBearTruthbetold@YogiBearTruthbetold6 жыл бұрын
    • Grace Ful if it was so true no one would need a book to know it

      @blacjackdaniels200@blacjackdaniels2006 жыл бұрын
    • User name checks out

      @aliasjon8320@aliasjon83206 жыл бұрын
    • I thought it was cool

      @coreyhebert5139@coreyhebert51395 жыл бұрын
  • When it's late I get all philosophical and shit and watch videos like these

    @santoroy2120@santoroy21207 жыл бұрын
    • Good! Keep at it

      @Datheavyispootis@Datheavyispootis7 жыл бұрын
    • I know right? It's 3 AM on a Friday morning and here I am pondering the meaning of beauty.

      @LightXplosion@LightXplosion7 жыл бұрын
    • Roy Boy that's me every night join the club dude

      @pastelhotmess9299@pastelhotmess92996 жыл бұрын
    • r/iamverysmart

      @fredmorris7743@fredmorris77435 жыл бұрын
    • Same, when my mind is too tired to keep up the facade of controlling everything I tend to turn toward this sort of stuff.

      @scottwall3095@scottwall30954 жыл бұрын
  • This is probably my favorite film of all time. It really is the ride, the roller coaster, that makes this movie for me. The highs and lows are just...amazing. Along with the music, it really makes a viewing experience I have never matched.

    @morganmmontz@morganmmontz7 жыл бұрын
    • Check out Revolutionary Road !

      @jasonantigua6825@jasonantigua68257 жыл бұрын
    • jason antigua I will!

      @morganmmontz@morganmmontz7 жыл бұрын
    • Even though Revolutionary road is a great film, it doesn't match the greatness of American Beauty

      @JackNapi3r@JackNapi3r7 жыл бұрын
    • I totally agree. This is my alltime favorite drama and I've been watching it at least once a year since I had seen it in the cinema when it first came out.

      @danifunk6687@danifunk66876 жыл бұрын
    • One of my all time favorites too. It cannot be matched. The soundtrack is so thought provoking along with the great drama and filming. I love questioning the image of beauty and how people present themselves in society. This movie is definitely one that can be watched over and over again, as it provokes new thoughts each time.

      @jellyt4967@jellyt49676 жыл бұрын
  • I think you could possibly even add on to the symbolism. Not only are the roses a primary symbol, but in a more broader sense, the color red is represented throughout the entire film. The red roses, the front door, the red behind buddy kane's advertisements, the red car, the sweater with red flowers worn by jane, and even the red oven pan, etc. And red represents so many different things like sexuality, love, rebellion, life force, and the soul.

    @riggamorrischan@riggamorrischan7 жыл бұрын
    • Daniel Miller also anger and hate

      @AlexTheCrayChick@AlexTheCrayChick7 жыл бұрын
    • You forgot the blood at the end.

      @DDDSSDDDSSDDDSS@DDDSSDDDSSDDDSS4 жыл бұрын
    • The soul is represented by red?! In what philosophy?

      @mgdkns6678@mgdkns66783 жыл бұрын
    • Of course, Tyler Durden when he is introduced wears white because the narrator is still sort of processing the very being of Tyler, when he realizes he wears red, the aforementioned colour. But in the end he wears black, the color of project Mayham to show his true self

      @EM38101@EM38101 Жыл бұрын
  • Lester is the focus. He's finally found beauty (the little things) but he's been enlightened too late in his life spent here on earth. Ricky shows insight into what the rest of the characters and the audience have the capability to become, enthralled with seeing the beauty in everything. This film is a great lesson in life.

    @xruraldustx@xruraldustx7 жыл бұрын
  • American Beauty was detailing the end of the nuclear family, the end of the conventional American dream, and the innocence of the American youth being replaced by a jaded pessism directed at their parents and elders.

    @willrueb9573@willrueb95737 жыл бұрын
    • I know I'm late with this reply but you sure said alot there. You're on to something. I absolutely respect the narrator's analysis but in my lowly opinion he is too detailed. I think he may have gone off on a couple tangents. What I got out of the movie is seeing a family 👪 who have lost their way and , believe it or not , they actually still love eachother. They just don't have the tools to be reconciled to eachother. I believe deep down they don't want to fracture or split up. They want to be a family but they are searching in every wrong place to find happiness , but happiness alludes them. They basically have the American dream but what good is it. The American dream deceived them and has basically destroyed them. This accurately reflects thousands of American families right now. Look at all our material success and it robbed us of our heart and soul. Families are wealthy but lost. They're lost.

      @mikekaroules2820@mikekaroules28204 жыл бұрын
    • Couldn't the same be said for the hippies of the late 1960s/early 1970s?

      @qwertasdcfghjklmo24z@qwertasdcfghjklmo24z4 жыл бұрын
    • @@qwertasdcfghjklmo24z not sure . The hippies back in the late 60s were not trying to overthrow or degrade the traditional family unit nor traditional marriage.

      @mikekaroules2820@mikekaroules28204 жыл бұрын
  • Lester Burnam reached self actualization which means he had to die.

    @DeepVerma728@DeepVerma7286 жыл бұрын
    • Why “he had to”? Nevertheless it made me think also of the movie “A single man”, when Colin Firth’s character reaches the same catharsis and ends up the same...dead...

      @mgdkns6678@mgdkns66783 жыл бұрын
    • True. He was complete.

      @waynepayne9875@waynepayne98753 жыл бұрын
    • Wake up, Donnie

      @BigSmoke-bu6ib@BigSmoke-bu6ib3 жыл бұрын
    • Wild, a similar thing happens in _Panic_ with William H. Macy

      @BrotherMalMusic@BrotherMalMusic Жыл бұрын
    • Reminds me of Vanilla Sky a bit. He wakes up the moment he realises he's experiencing a manufactured dream.

      @gabbar51ngh@gabbar51ngh Жыл бұрын
  • The soundtrack is a masterpiece

    @wiizxx@wiizxx4 жыл бұрын
    • Thomas newman should've won the Oscar

      @paperchasindude6578@paperchasindude65783 жыл бұрын
    • @@paperchasindude6578 FACTS

      @airikkalerofficial@airikkalerofficial3 жыл бұрын
    • Who knew such simple keys could evoke so much emotion. One of my favorite movie soundtracks ever. So much peace and calmness it brings me.

      @eddiecardwell@eddiecardwell2 жыл бұрын
    • Had to get that mf on vinyl

      @BrotherMalMusic@BrotherMalMusic Жыл бұрын
  • When I was a teenager I thought this was just a cool movie, but as a grown man I think it's a masterpiece.

    @waynepayne9875@waynepayne98753 жыл бұрын
  • 1: Cruel Intentions 2: American Beauty 3: Fight Club In this order, for the message behind the movie. All great movies, all have a deep thoughtful reality of people trying to cope with their life.

    @sashinshine5818@sashinshine58185 жыл бұрын
    • Donnie Darko and the Matrix will round the list off... late 90s they were opening the veil for us.

      @jimmycrackcorn1603@jimmycrackcorn16035 жыл бұрын
    • @@jimmycrackcorn1603 The Matrix? How and why?

      @sashinshine5818@sashinshine58185 жыл бұрын
    • The aesthetic of the real world...the crappie clothes and shitty food. The cast seems to yearn to go back in to save others. But they are always dress very autrutrisric, as if they are most posh, for a mission. It seems they have to "dress up" their egos, never manifesting the same things they see daily in the real world.

      @jimmycrackcorn1603@jimmycrackcorn16035 жыл бұрын
    • All 3 came out in 1999! Along with Office Space.

      @RottenDoctorGonzo@RottenDoctorGonzo2 жыл бұрын
    • dont forget office space

      @THEOvERSiZEDMeATBALL@THEOvERSiZEDMeATBALL2 жыл бұрын
  • I just watched your analysis of American Beauty, and in going through the comments, I saw a month ago you said that you had been feeling down on yourself. Knock that crap off, buddy. Your analysis of American Beauty was MIND BLOWING. Tonight, I've been doing a lot of thinking about my relationships, life and death, notions of "God", the universe, beauty, peace, meaning... and to cap the evening off with your analysis of American Beauty was fantastic. "Taking control of a shadow or mirror self seems great, but... it involves so much turmoil. Yet there are those who live inside that state constantly, which is another way to try and escape these identity crises, but as stated, it creates a person that can be happy and sees the things other people take for granted, while on the other hand keeps them from experiencing full joy due to their split." In that one paragraph, you were able to accurately summarize my entire 'existential crisis' that I've been analyzing for the last several years of my life. You are an incredibly bright, intelligent person. You have an incredible way with words, that is "substantive" as someone else put it, and is so succinct and poignant that even I, who consider myself a word-smith, find myself envious :). Keep up the fantastic work!

    @ChubakaSteven@ChubakaSteven7 жыл бұрын
    • All I can really say is thanks. Not to diminish what you said in the slightest, but every once and a while I'll get a comment or email or what have you like yours that helps to alleviate the sort of petty depression I fall into. I appreciate it so much.

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • +What it all Meant there is no depth without pain my bro. I'm in the same boat as you! Thanks for video my man 📹 peace ✌

      @CallMeNumber8@CallMeNumber86 жыл бұрын
    • @@WhatitallMeant just wanted to say thanks for this video. This was a great review for a classic film

      @aerialpenn8849@aerialpenn88493 жыл бұрын
  • Thomas Newman's "American Beauty" theme music has ALWAYS touched my soul, and makes me ACHE for something I cannot define (And I'm normally not the most "spiritual" of people) but this soundtrack just DOES this to me. So much so that driving to my mother's funeral 9 years ago, I purposely listened to it, just to reinforce its power on me. The single piano with string accompaniment is such a DEEPLY moving motif.

    @walterkronkitesleftshoe6684@walterkronkitesleftshoe66845 ай бұрын
  • This movie profoundly hit me in a way I can’t even explain

    @ChanelROETV@ChanelROETV3 жыл бұрын
    • Same

      @jerrygil1965@jerrygil19652 жыл бұрын
    • Yeah, I feel you there.

      @RottenDoctorGonzo@RottenDoctorGonzo2 жыл бұрын
    • Same here…

      @freddiesawyer@freddiesawyer Жыл бұрын
    • Same for.. I'm looking for other movies which give same feel

      @GamingBusterOneAndOnly@GamingBusterOneAndOnly3 ай бұрын
    • ​@@GamingBusterOneAndOnlyi stand alone is one of them, that's for sure

      @OklopnikSilni@OklopnikSilniАй бұрын
  • A rare thing these days... a truly great American film.

    @johnadams-wp2yb@johnadams-wp2yb7 жыл бұрын
    • Yeah, but look when it was made. They sure aren't making any good movies any more.

      @kasdfg776@kasdfg7765 жыл бұрын
    • whats so great about it?

      @olegdepapa@olegdepapa5 жыл бұрын
    • Made by a Brit though

      @sirpizo555@sirpizo5554 жыл бұрын
    • @@kasdfg776 what do you mean? Parasite came out and won oscars. Your name came out and received praise

      @dreamthedream8929@dreamthedream89292 жыл бұрын
  • you're so enticing in a way i can't describe, i'm so amazed with the way you talk and the things you say, so poetic yet precise, i could listen to your analysis for hours and i wouldn't feel bored at all, it's sad being surrounded by people that just don't get it, movies are so beautiful and full of messages waiting to be deciphered, it's truly breathtaking seeing that people like you have such passion when talking about movies, sorry for the long comment, props to you sir❤️

    @LeBovarysme@LeBovarysme7 жыл бұрын
    • Well thank you! Glad I can be that for you.

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • bro, you just got an admirer.

      @beat.1546@beat.15467 жыл бұрын
    • IKR! people don't care about the meaning of the movie anymore these days..

      @kribrigdefoo@kribrigdefoo2 жыл бұрын
    • a rich analysis for a film rich in meaning. cant get any better

      @Ares_gaming_117@Ares_gaming_1172 жыл бұрын
  • No way, I saw this movie for the first time 2 nights ago and you post it NOW!!! That's awesome. I love coincidences so much.

    @loudrockacdc@loudrockacdc7 жыл бұрын
    • There are no coincidences

      @bobpolo2964@bobpolo29647 жыл бұрын
    • Where were you for the past 17 years? this movie was released back in 1999 lol.

      @blooduhz@blooduhz7 жыл бұрын
    • blooduhz Just never got around to seeing it! I actually hadn't even heard much about it until some friends suggested it to me.

      @loudrockacdc@loudrockacdc7 жыл бұрын
    • Synchronicity is the word you are searching for

      @paulatreides0777@paulatreides0777 Жыл бұрын
  • I've always loved the movie, still one of my favorites. Lester to me was the focus and gave the message. However, years later and the allegations against Spacey came to light. Now? The parts with Angela are REALLY tough to watch

    @jasonmaclean719@jasonmaclean719 Жыл бұрын
  • My favorite movie. It's an absolute masterpiece

    @orchardjpg@orchardjpg7 жыл бұрын
  • I knew this movie was a master piece the first time I saw it in my twenties. Twenty years later I'm still trying to wrap my head around its complexity.

    @coma3550@coma35503 жыл бұрын
    • ITs about a guy trying to bone a underage girl. There nothing complex about it.

      @Lone432345@Lone432345 Жыл бұрын
  • Thank you for doing justice to this movie, it's a pretty special film for me. I also want to mention as a professional classical musician, that the soundtrack of this movie was groundbreaking, we can hear the minimalist score influence in many films and trailers that we see even today.

    @Nonni655321@Nonni6553217 жыл бұрын
    • Oh yeah, if these were reviews/retrospectives rather than thematic analysis, you better believe that section would have been much longer

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • What it all Meant I want this to be straight to the point. This was a clear step up, literally. I got to about 7 minutes and had to pause the video because of so much essential information being tossed my way, I mean that in a good way. Your critical writing has evolved and the dead pan delivery was in full effect. Perfect balance of objective analysis combined with subjective observation. One: too many titles, way too many. Your potential for tight structures really showed in this video, so I would suggest dividing your analysis into 3 parts and a conclusion. This will allow you to have the title, Part one: whatever, Part two: whatever, conclusion etc. Movies have 3 acts and a conclusion, why not film essays? Having so many titles is unnecessary. You begin with an opening statement about how the film is about identity and beauty. Just keep talking like normal, giving us context and then... Part one. I saw a title for tone, cinematography, music, and your normal sentences on screen all before 2 minutes of video😬 By dividing the essay into parts, this will allow you to discuss all of those elements in between and still be able to thread the character arcs, buzz words, etc. And you can place those titles into different parts, more organization. That allows the viewer to say, "I think I'll study part 2 for now before moving on." Imagine that. Two: you really kept it consistent with your examination of the themes of identity and beauty. There was also this nuance where you showed a character talking about seeing a dead homeless woman and how sad she looked. Then you cut to a dead Lester with a smile. You allowed me to catch that on my own without beating me over the head. Perfect. Be careful with your wording. "Subtext is apparent through the lens of everything else thus far." By not saying what type of lens (spiritual, existential, identity) this sentence becomes abstract. Always be conscious of appropriate modifiers. You're a writer. "Trying to force an identity is as problematic as having none at all." Perfect!!!! Three: you're almost there, super sayain level 1000. Just keep grinding. This was your best format thus far, so happy to see you experimenting even though you have to deal with your other life, independent from critical work. Seriously consider the division of parts. It's gonna let you expand on textual threads and visual continuities in whatever film you're examining and thread those different elements within your overall essay. I'm about to rewatch this bro because it's so good. Take care

      @bobpolo2964@bobpolo29647 жыл бұрын
    • bob polo I'll keep ALL this in mind for my next video. Especially the bit on the subtext phrasing. Structure is key to clarity, so if I can continue to improve on that, I'll take any suggestion. Sorry I can't reply to everything specifically. Just know I'm taking it to heart, appreciate the time taken to type it up, and have no time at the moment.

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • Thomas Newman "Any Other Name".. The track suits the film perfectly.

      @anautumnforcrippledchildre8369@anautumnforcrippledchildre83697 жыл бұрын
    • I love Thomas Newman. My favorite is The Orchard from Phenom

      @deniseg812@deniseg8126 жыл бұрын
  • Background music has been my wake up alarm for years. That piano is the most gentle sound to wake up to.

    @Mindzinsuk@Mindzinsuk3 жыл бұрын
    • Same it's so brilliant

      @paperchasindude6578@paperchasindude65783 жыл бұрын
    • Whats the name of the track?

      @eadams1057@eadams10573 жыл бұрын
    • @@eadams1057 The track is called "Any other name" by Thomas Newman

      @Mindzinsuk@Mindzinsuk3 жыл бұрын
    • @@Mindzinsuk thanks

      @eadams1057@eadams10573 жыл бұрын
  • The most revolutionary thing someone can do is be happy

    @edwardnygma1887@edwardnygma18873 жыл бұрын
    • Happiness do not remain constant throughout the life span but vary from one stage of life to another. ;)

      @mathematics5040@mathematics50403 жыл бұрын
  • I love what you're doing and find it very enlightening and educational. Please keep going!

    @HazelFaith@HazelFaith7 жыл бұрын
  • I have been really wanting this for a long time. the soothing voice, as well as easy to disgust break down of the Emotion behind the film. you really out done yourself. Great Job!

    @adamflores402@adamflores4027 жыл бұрын
  • This movie talks to me in a different way. The movie says there's so much beauty that you can't take it but relax and it flows through you. It speaks to me through love rather than something as common as beauty. I've wanted to be married and be with my soulmate since I started liking girls, which was literally in Kindergarten. I saw the beauty of love through the relationship of my parents. August 15, 2017 they will have been together for 25 years. I saw the best parts, worst parts, hardest parts and easiest parts of love through them. I knew the meaning of love at 15 and only knew more of it as I grew older. I talk to my soulmate in spirit on a regular basis. I talk to her like I would pray to God. Her name is Lexie. I've wanted love like my parents have for so long. They never really taught me how to show someone I love them. So, I always just threw it all on the table and scared them away. My heart to this day is so full of love that it has become a burden that ways me down. It constantly weighs me down because I have no woman to give this love. I have no woman because women don't want the love I have to offer. The love I have is true love. The love I witness in my parents marriage everyday. Women that want that love don't exist. Not in my world anyway... Is this Lexie I told you of even real? Am I crazy because my own love has weighed me down to rock bottom? Then I watched this movie and everything just felt okay. That being said, I haven't found a way to let go of my love so it can flow through me rather than weigh me down. I'd really like some help with that one. I was born in 93, so I understand the end of history thing. We appreciate that all the hardships from world wars, racism, diseases, and other things are gone but we have no direction now. We're just a bunch of half alive misguided ghosts. We're half alive because we have no direction. We're misguided because we listen to the unwise(Hollywood, the media)trying to tell us what to do. This and Shawshank Redemption are my favorite movies of all time.

    @HarleyQuinn_93@HarleyQuinn_937 жыл бұрын
    • Can I ask you, IF you don't mind of course, and you are still using this account, given that this comment was written 6 years ago.....has your opinion changed? Did you find Lexie....in all her glory? You must be around your 30's now... I don't even know why I went through this rabbit hole on YT watching a video about the movie, then scrolling down the comments. Your comment related to me in a way that I was holding my breath and watching the screen for 20 minutes before I pressed reply. I'm just curious. I'm a female, with sort of completely different experience than yours in regards to my parents life, but the sentiment is the same still...

      @porakanasa2006@porakanasa200610 ай бұрын
  • Just watched this movie last night, and It lives up to its name. It's one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. And no matter how sad the ending is for many reasons, it still has major payoff.

    @jakethelifter3824@jakethelifter38243 жыл бұрын
  • And Another thing. From now on we're going to alternate our dinner music because frankly, and I don't think I'm alone here, I 'm getting a little tired of this Lawrence Welk Shit.

    @lpr5269@lpr52697 жыл бұрын
    • Paul y Lol!

      @xTruncz@xTruncz5 жыл бұрын
  • May I request a movie, Lolita. It's one of my favorite movies, it's a bit of an odd movie. Glad to have found your channel.. (:

    @staceyxtra1631@staceyxtra16317 жыл бұрын
    • Stacey Xtra yasss just watched it and i'm so confused

      @sksksk2940@sksksk29407 жыл бұрын
    • This film reminds me of Lolita too!

      @lucynx1511@lucynx15115 жыл бұрын
    • Which version? Irons?

      @RottenDoctorGonzo@RottenDoctorGonzo2 жыл бұрын
  • Thank you so much for your work. I watched this video when I was going through rough times, and through it, I managed to understand certain aspects of life which helped me overcome the issues I was facing back then. I always come back to this video, this is a timeless video. Thank you!

    @grey6545@grey6545 Жыл бұрын
  • I never before really noticed how beautifully Angela showed that she truly cares for Lester (11:10) and with that she literally saved Lester overwhelmed with solitude from crying. Such a fantastically played scene. And it is may be the only scene of the movie where people really care about each other and understand each other

    @hyperborean72@hyperborean7210 ай бұрын
  • Thank you, dude. You have no idea how much I enjoy listening to/watching your perspective on some of the finest films I've seen. Lately I've been struggling with deconstructing how my own life unraveled and became derelict and meaningless, so I started rewatching films and browsing youtube for essays, deconstructions and perspectives to keep my mind occupied and "stay in the light". It's refreshing to listen to other people's standpoints on these masterpieces and you're doing a fine job at keeping depression away. You're awesome!

    @panaramix4835@panaramix48357 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks! I'm glad I could do something actually meaningful for you.

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
  • Spot on. Upon first watching this film did I realise how much it was a work of art. The characters literally unfold before you so vividly. Thanks for shedding some new light on stuff I didn't pick up.

    @dylanfriese-greene174@dylanfriese-greene1747 жыл бұрын
  • This is the most beautifully written and articulated analysis of the film. The way you explained everything was so well done, especially with the audio behind and the perfect editing. Can't wait to watch more, I'd love to see some more in depth analysis of films like this, perhaps Requiem for a Dream

    @sura3638@sura36386 жыл бұрын
  • I remember lying on my friend's bed as he surfed the net, and the haunting American beauty theme music played in the back ground, when my friend said out of the blue. " The problem with you is you won't allow anyone to love you" My expression changed I felt my soul for a brief moment escaped my body, as that truth speared my heart. That has always stuck with me. We no longer have contact. That music always reminds me of that moment.

    @tetsuan25@tetsuan25 Жыл бұрын
  • 9:00 Identity is used as a synonym for "meaningful life" in some circles Trying to force an identity is as problematic as having none at all. It makes us narrow minded and withholds Joy. Even living within an established life, where you'd think one can build on themselves, it still can keep people in a depressive state. So how do we avoid this? Perhaps shedding off that past obsession with the image being chased. Maybe it's just relaxing. It feels good to indulge in nostalgia, and have the things at one point that you only dreamed of. ... even the things that made you feel guilty. Obsession often leads to new obsession, unfortunately, which can get out of hand - or inappropriate. Taking control of a shadow or mirror self seems great, but it involves so much turmoil. Yet there are those who live inside that state constantly, which is another way to try and escape these identity crises. But as stated, it creates a person that CAN be happy, and sees the things that other people take for granted, while on the other hand keeps them from experiencing full joy, due to their split. So if "too much understanding" at one time, has us getting obsessed with the new vision. Then only having it half the time, still has the person miserable, then wouldn't embracing it throughout life mean that's the way to live? Sure! But who's like that?? I mean there are going to be those who haven't taken that first step into their mold yet. But who would understand how to subvert this longing for meaning and identify, from the beginning of life? Actually, what even is this understanding that these "partially enlightened" are seeing? Joy from Beauty in the small things? What does that entail? Why is it important? Is there beauty in what's behind things? Enough to create meaning? Probably not. But ISN'T there joy in those things? Those small things, if they are meaningless ... only great to the individual. Simply, generically beautiful. Express forces beyond our control. Things we failed at. Are objectively sad, or just ... are. Isn't that something?? At least more than presenting ourselves for other people, in hopes that it exudes purpose.

    @AllenChildress@AllenChildress7 жыл бұрын
    • Really impressive work, Sir! I am looking forward to listening to more!

      @AllenChildress@AllenChildress7 жыл бұрын
    • Thank you for transcription :) I am French and I had difficulty distinguishing certain words!

      @Amyti@Amyti3 жыл бұрын
  • The new format is really nice. I enjoy how you thank the viewer(s) at the end of your videos. keep up the good work

    @SyskoTheCat@SyskoTheCat7 жыл бұрын
  • I love your videos. Some of the best videos on youtube. I learn so much about myself when reflecting on your words and these stories. Thanks

    @JonPanDrum@JonPanDrum7 жыл бұрын
  • So death is the penultimate freedom.

    @maze2512@maze25127 жыл бұрын
    • Death is imprisoned by life, just as life is imprisoned by death. Freedom only comes from being at peace with the state in which you are already in.

      @concordreprisal1585@concordreprisal15854 жыл бұрын
    • no, acceptance is

      @nottletottle@nottletottle4 жыл бұрын
    • Lol this movie is stupid the blonde was the only normal one

      @xzaviermalibu6276@xzaviermalibu62763 жыл бұрын
    • @@xzaviermalibu6276 you sound like the blonde lol

      @igorcesar5574@igorcesar55743 жыл бұрын
  • The morning after I saw this movie I asked my husband for a divorce. I identified so strongly with Spacey's character and being a middle aged poor woman with zero attraction for teen girls I never really understood why I felt that way. I just knew I didn't want to die living unhappy but secure. Your explanation makes sense to me. I understand now why I identified with him. :)

    @CS-fw7ze@CS-fw7ze7 жыл бұрын
    • too late in life lol...but you're still alive, so there's that.

      @elizabethbennet4791@elizabethbennet47916 жыл бұрын
    • that's terrible.

      @olegdepapa@olegdepapa5 жыл бұрын
    • How's The Single Life

      @westkanye4005@westkanye40053 жыл бұрын
    • @@westkanye4005 lmfaooooo

      @MrSkarbek36@MrSkarbek363 жыл бұрын
    • That's awful you abandoned your marriage because you saw a movie? Did you make it to the end? He realized his life wasn't that bad.

      @waynepayne9875@waynepayne98753 жыл бұрын
  • Watched this again today and I’ve watched a lot. I always enjoy it and I always fill up at the end. When I’m at work or anywhere else and movies come up I always say that this is one of my favourites and tell them it’s great. It’s annoying that people I know haven’t heard of it let alone watch it. It really is a great smovie

    @DAEAJ1@DAEAJ14 жыл бұрын
  • I think there is something red in almost every scene..

    @robertpoole9786@robertpoole97867 жыл бұрын
  • The haunting music score. And Kevin Spacey and the pothead did it for me.

    @raalaa121@raalaa1213 жыл бұрын
  • Definitely the best video I've seen in a long time, brings so many emotions. Thanks for uploading

    @davidegiacon9371@davidegiacon93717 жыл бұрын
    • +Davide Giacon Thanks! I'm glad it affected you.

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
  • I saw this movie back when it was brand new, I was around 20 and I thought that it was stupid. Now at 42 I saw it again and it's one of the best movies I've ever seen. Very good review!!!

    @arturkarpinski164@arturkarpinski1642 жыл бұрын
  • I rarely bother to comment on anything. You are incredibly good at breaking things apart. Please keep making videos. "She's just waiting in other people's quicksand." Dude.

    @user-ep9fu2be4z@user-ep9fu2be4z7 жыл бұрын
    • Glad you decided to! And I will, A Clockwork Orange is next

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
  • Trying a new format, any feedback is greatly appreciated. Hopefully you like it!

    @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • Love this movie love your channel

      @theogaccount3791@theogaccount37917 жыл бұрын
    • It works well! another great deconstruction, it seems i missed out a few things from this classic. Much appreciated.

      @the_famous_reply_guy@the_famous_reply_guy7 жыл бұрын
    • Very straightforward while still keep in the unique way in which you deconstruct something. Feels very specific and clear. Great job!

      @vincentbyas6186@vincentbyas61867 жыл бұрын
    • +Donte Newmy Hopefully, I'm going to try to have A Clockwork Orange out by next week

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • Brilliant mate, no BS just straight to the point with using the perfect clips to back up your points. There was nothing wrong with the previous format however this seems a lot better

      @Hamletshandle@Hamletshandle7 жыл бұрын
  • Dude do eternal sunshine for the spotless mind

    @josegamino5677@josegamino56777 жыл бұрын
    • Maybe soon

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • you seen it trippy movie

      @josegamino5677@josegamino56777 жыл бұрын
  • I dig the format. But man I have to watch these so many times to really get all the information I can out of them. You're really smart brother keep it up ✌

    @SimonVanliew26@SimonVanliew267 жыл бұрын
  • Your style is wonderfully unique. Please don't stop doing what you do so well

    @heyjonnyparke@heyjonnyparke7 жыл бұрын
  • This is a film if I see it is on Netflix, I will play it going to sleep. Easily watched it 40 times. I find it very touching. Who isn’t trying to put on a face like they’re living a dream but all of us are struggling.

    @lea9977@lea99776 ай бұрын
  • Thank you. American Beauty has been one of the most meaningful movies for me since it's release, and it's nice to see it broken down respectfully. Then ending still rings through my bones.

    @HarleySB@HarleySB3 жыл бұрын
  • You are the first KZheadr to take my suggestion. Thank you so much for that. This video was mindblowing! You hit all the points of this movie right on the head. The one thing that I didn't pick up on that you pointed out was how individuals are preceived by different people as in the case of Ricky. Perception also plays a major role in this film. It is clear how these characters define the world around them just on what they think about or want. I am so happy you took the time to research and make this video. Is this your longest? And also thank you.

    @hayseman@hayseman7 жыл бұрын
  • Thanks again. I've really been loving your videos. Very thought provoking and insightful. Puts a smile on my face whenever I see a new one pop up:)

    @FacelessNoise@FacelessNoise7 жыл бұрын
  • One of my all time favorite movies and this is a great analysis!! Nice job!

    @michaelhogard3394@michaelhogard33942 жыл бұрын
  • Probably the best movie i have ever seen. Watched it when I was 17 loved it. Now at 37 still a great movie. Probably one of the best movies I have ever seen

    @carlgrau5910@carlgrau59102 жыл бұрын
    • You might want to watch more movies.

      @Lone432345@Lone432345 Жыл бұрын
  • Thanks for doing this. I always look forward to your videos. They're so insightful!

    @AAC4808@AAC48087 жыл бұрын
  • I found 'American Beauty' an almost perfect movie. Still enjoy it today. Great review and analysis. Thank you.

    @jacktrim796@jacktrim7967 жыл бұрын
  • american beauty and american psycho are my two favourite movies so the fall out boy album is great haha

    @leahdorothy@leahdorothy6 жыл бұрын
    • Leah M cray cray! Nearly exact same as me and exact same top favourite movies 😂

      @rheat9932@rheat99324 жыл бұрын
  • i just finished this movie and im crying an ocean 😭😭😭😭😭 i really feel so much for every characters. especially right now that im alone in quarantine and doing my best to be grateful everyday. omg i love this movie 😭

    @lalaland9069@lalaland90693 жыл бұрын
    • Well this is late. But hope things are better for you these days.

      @billwill7383@billwill7383 Жыл бұрын
  • i love your videos man ,seriously this channel is gold!

    @guillermogarcia6658@guillermogarcia66587 жыл бұрын
  • A true spiritual movie ! I understand it better than before because I had an awakening and some profound experiences with meditation. Reality is perfect as it is, it's infinite beauty. The ego project his judgements and fear on reality and this is why we think Reality's harsh or not perfect at all. Ego isn't truth, being is. Reality is pure beingness, there is no moral, no judgement, no language, it only is. And we're not separate from it, we are it. Now you don't have to believe me, if you want to know learn to be and within years you'll see by direct experiences.

    @GabithWhyborn@GabithWhyborn3 жыл бұрын
  • That was awesome! Your analysis is so substantive that it is impossible to take it all in with one viewing. How are you able to analyze this movie the way you do and talk that way you do in your analysis? The way you phrase a sentence is incredible to me. I can't really describe what it is you're doing but I just know that it's simple but encapsulating the way you speak. I would love to be able to speak like that. Please keep the videos coming.

    @mkeeble1989@mkeeble19897 жыл бұрын
    • Well thank you very much! I've been kinda down about my work recently, so it's great to have such nice words sent my way. I've been thinking about doing some "teaching" videos to show how I analyze or break down any given piece of media. Just stay tuned.

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • Please do so! I have just recently come across your channel, and, while I enjoy your videos tremendously, there are only a limited amount of films one man can analyse. I always feel like I am missing out on half the fun due to my limited ability to break down films and discover its (hidden) messages and themes. Teaching your viewers a tool set to do so themselves would be perfect.

      @sprutch11@sprutch117 жыл бұрын
    • I agree, very insightful break down.

      @RawandCookedVegan@RawandCookedVegan7 жыл бұрын
  • Never enjoyed a movie as much as this one.

    @inmatejason@inmatejason7 жыл бұрын
  • Fantastic analysis! Great structure covering all bases in detail👍 Watched this movie for the first time the other day honestly blew my mind that a movie could explore so many themes so beautifully Cheers!

    @luciens7713@luciens77134 жыл бұрын
  • This is incredibly good and insightful. Anyone who really appreciates this movie like I do, should appreciate this video and commentary.

    @slicks8078@slicks80784 жыл бұрын
  • I like the editing in this one, i know this movie had alot of stuff to break down, you did great

    @mdjones4@mdjones47 жыл бұрын
  • The best moments for me is my morning cigarrete right after I eat breakfast. Sad but its true. All kidding aside, the video was amazing. The first time I wathced the movie, I was 15 and it blew my fucking teenage mind. Still is one of my favourite movies. And now that I am much older, it even has more meaning than ever.

    @kreep182@kreep1825 жыл бұрын
  • This is an excellent documentary. I was blown away by American beauty when it came out and still love it to this day.

    @eddiethatch5060@eddiethatch50604 ай бұрын
  • Just watched for the first time , absolutely mind blown . Every shot and line just so perfect

    @milkmedia1657@milkmedia16572 жыл бұрын
  • My favorite symbol in the movie is one that I never hear anyone discuss. It's not just the blood on the counter reflecting Lester's smiling face, it's the blood on the floor. It's an exclamation point. It's the punchline. Life seems important, but it slips away into a small puddle of liquid. TADA!

    @nelsondashner7758@nelsondashner775811 ай бұрын
  • This film was an AMAZING rollercoaster💜

    @jerrygil1965@jerrygil19652 жыл бұрын
  • Love the new format!!!

    @kaitlynatown@kaitlynatown7 жыл бұрын
  • An absolutely brilliant movie. Probably my favourite cinematic creation of all time. I say this as a Canadian, too. Love this movie.

    @ronwalker403@ronwalker4034 жыл бұрын
  • What an absolutely amazingly beautiful and meaningful film, thanks for the analysis :)

    @SviraSvi@SviraSvi7 жыл бұрын
  • this changed the way I see movies for ever I can't believe how ignorant I've been

    @jozeysquarepants4440@jozeysquarepants44407 жыл бұрын
  • I really genuinely enjoy your videos

    @b1tch125@b1tch1257 жыл бұрын
  • Very well done. I really like your videos, but I think you nailed the flow and pacing in this one. I really like the use of the titles to break up the sections. Great movie, great analysis.

    @rivhard@rivhard7 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks! I think I'll keep the format from here on out. Probably tweak it a bit, but the breaking up sections will definitely stay.

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
  • A wonderful movie. Explores the human frailty. Dysfunctional families and miss guided fantasies.

    @Boneidol82@Boneidol822 жыл бұрын
  • I loved this movie as a teenager. Watched it at least half a dozen times.

    @LBOOGIEDAMANN@LBOOGIEDAMANN3 жыл бұрын
  • Such a great video, I come back to it from time to time to rewatch it

    @I2ey19@I2ey194 жыл бұрын
  • Really like the new format! :)

    @GylleTheGreat@GylleTheGreat7 жыл бұрын
  • I'm and going to rewatch your vids and add a like to all off them

    @davidcobb2682@davidcobb26827 жыл бұрын
  • My favourite film of all time

    @PrincessSquig@PrincessSquig7 жыл бұрын
  • Really enjoyed this. I listen to these at work and I appreciate a format with less text cues. My only criticism is that the "Subtext" section wasn't really giving examples of what subtext was in the film, just what subtext itself lends to.

    @Dycehart@Dycehart7 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks. I'll keep working on it. I felt like that was a cop out, but only because I had talked it through quite a bit by that point.

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
  • i went in a trance state.. my love for this movie is immense ad on top of that your voice is just..... waaaoooo man.. this was beautiful

    @vinitcorleone@vinitcorleone7 жыл бұрын
  • Hello there :) Your interpretation of the film American Beauty made me see it in a whole new light. I have tried to interpret my favorite film "Heathers" published in 1989 but I would like to see your spin on it :D

    @nicole1822@nicole18227 жыл бұрын
  • this movie is a true work of art. really great acting by the cast

    @deathisinevitable7178@deathisinevitable71782 жыл бұрын
  • Thank you for these! I love your videos.

    @sejulie487@sejulie4877 жыл бұрын
  • the way lester describes angela as “not ordinary if you tried” and the way angela fears being ordinary and boring reminds me of the rose from The Little Prince

    @kevinmalone29@kevinmalone293 жыл бұрын
  • As a teenager watching American beauty got me through tough times. As a teenager I finally understood what this film meant. Initially when this first released I didn't understand anything.

    @charlesderosas5577@charlesderosas55773 жыл бұрын
    • What does it mean

      @bluemoo7611@bluemoo761111 ай бұрын
    • ​@@bluemoo7611To put it into Layman's terms: Modern Life is Rubbish.

      @applescruff1969@applescruff196910 ай бұрын
  • This came out when I was 17 so the 90's were my "day" At the time all we wanted to do was be back in the 80's or 70's but I look back somewhat fondly at it. (I say somewhat because life as a minority back then was still a horror show) Life had more meaning, more purpose compared to today where everything is uncovered and it's mostly awful. We see the world as it is today, and it's hard to look.

    @mandeloo9404@mandeloo94046 жыл бұрын
  • You are extremely well spoken and break it down so it is easy for us to understand. I wish I could write/speak like you.

    @DoctorGaga87@DoctorGaga877 жыл бұрын
    • Well thank you!

      @WhatitallMeant@WhatitallMeant7 жыл бұрын
    • +What it all Meant no problem 😀, could do on an analysis of citizen Kane? I would love to hear your thoughts on it

      @danielring1806@danielring18067 жыл бұрын
  • Love your videos. Keep up the good work!

    @patrickbateman7903@patrickbateman79037 жыл бұрын
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