Stereotypes in the film American Beauty - 2078 Words

Stereotyping In Modern Film Stereotypes are extremely prominent in modern cinema, the first example that springs to mind is that of the film American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes, in 1999. Here is a seriocomic look at suburban America, which utilizes various stereotypes in order to make a broader statement on the symptoms supposedly brought upon us by living boring suburban lives. While the stereotypes work to the filmmakers advantage in the films cutting comic stages, once the film devolves into melodrama, the stereotypes become much more apparent, changing the film from a scathing satire to a parable of sorts. The plot of the film can be summarized by saying that it concerns the character of Lester Burnham, just as he is about to†¦show more content†¦While one senses that his wife is overly materialistic, her reaction is more believable because of the fact that she is most likely shocked by his sudden display of affection, and made uncomfortable by it. The idea that the stereotypes in this film are used as shortcuts does not really work in this case because the stereotypes are so fully explained by various methods such as voice over that they are not shortcuts at all, but are in the fact the actual substance of the film. Nor are these stereotypes manifested out of the fortress of tradition. This would imply that the stereotypes of the film are used because of the conventions of the genre, and this film is anything but conventional. As a matter of fact, the film tries so hard to be original and idiosyncratic that it is clear that the last thing it intends to do is adhere to the conventions now standard in the majority of films. However, this just makes the film even more maddening because while the fact that the film is made by stunningly original auteurs is more or less stuffed down the viewers throats, one can not help but feel that they are a little too familiar with the territory that this film explores. The bored and unhappy American family has been written about for ages and ages before 1999, the year this film was released. Another thing one must examine when discussing the purpose of stereotypes in film is their sociological value versus their aesthetic value. The sociological value, meaning theShow MoreRelatedSociety Vs Beauty : A Girl Like Me, The Director Of The Film986 Words   |  4 PagesSociety vs Beauty Many of us are faced with the idea that we will never be able to live up to society s expectations. That no matter what we do as human beings, nothing will ever be perfect to society. In the short documentary film â€Å"A Girl Like Me,† the director of the film examines the importance of color of skin, hair and facial features for young African American women. The director s purpose was to empower the women and let them know they can overcome these false stereotypes. 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