The context in which American Beauty was constructed in is a society of superficiality which values appearance above what really counts. Family's are falling apart due to some number of contributing factors including the fastness of modern Western life, the pressure to achieve in life and that parents now a days having focused on their careers are therefore not keeping in touch. Guns are also becoming more readily available and as a result are causing increased violence. Advertising is also portraying that one must look beautiful and be stunningly attractive to make it in the world. So what chance do the majority of people have of feeling satisfied in themselves, well the answer is very little unless they are willing to leave its boundaries. This is portrayed in Sam Mendes motion film American Beauty via black comedy and its setting.

The main characters all being seemingly lost in...