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American Beauty vs. US Media - Term Papers

American Beauty vs. US Media

Angela Hayes' character is a complex one. Her personal philosophy is one based on a repulsion toward the normal (the ordinary, as she refers to it), though her aspirations are not truly those of originality. She strives to ascertain the image of the irresistible, unignorable, woman--an image that she believes will bring her one-of-a-kind appeal. However, this image is anything but unique. The over-exposed, hypersexual persona she puts on is one thousands of young girls in the US are sold through television, advertising, and societal stereotyping. Angela desires the image the media markets as unique, not legitimate uniqueness.
This, really, is the message behind Angela's character. ...

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characters to Angela that American Beauty's message of resistance can be most readily observed. Angela is the American media's message of hypersexuality, and the other characters (namely Jane, Ricky, and two unnamed schoolmates) are American teen-youth resisting that image--a position that the film idealizes, and recognizes as too-rare.
The first scene in which the viewer is introduced to this concept comes fairly early on. Jane and Angela converse in Angela's car in front of Jane's house, following Angela and Lester's not-so-subtle introduction. Jane is embarrassed and apologizes for her father's outwardly sexually-interested behavior toward her. Angela is not disgusted or offended, though, as Jane expects her to be. Instead, she tells Jane that she enjoys when men think about her sexually--she sees it as a testament to the fact that she will make a great model someday. The scene serves to introduce the nature of the message--to characterize the ideal for the viewer. ...

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American Beauty vs. US Media. (2011, March 23). Retrieved January 6, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/American-Beauty-vs-US-Media/96652

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 3/23/2011 02:01:13 PM
Submitted By: london
Category: Film & Theater
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 925
Pages: 4

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