---
title: "American Beauty"
year: 1999
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/american-beauty-1999"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 14
imdb_id: "tt0169547"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 122
community_rating: 8.0
vote_count: 13148
content_rating: "R"
---

# American Beauty (1999) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/american-beauty-1999

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

"American Beauty" is a film about a suburban father's life. The story revolves around this character's life in a state of crisis. He is described as a depressed individual. This character decides to make significant changes in his life. His motivations for doing so are rooted in his infatuation with someone. The person in question is a friend of his daughter, who is described as attractive. The film explores the character's decision to alter his life and the consequences that follow.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A suburban father attempts to reclaim his life during a profound mid-life crisis."

### Why Watch
- compelling character study
- thought-provoking themes

### Caveats & Content Note
- heavy subject matter
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains mature themes and emotional intensity suitable for adult audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: satirical, melancholic, introspective, dramatic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | Hoopla | JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, ITVX Premium, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Basic with Ads | ITVX | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Netflix | None | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Sam Mendes
- **Networks / Studios**: DreamWorks Pictures, Jinks/Cohen Company

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Kevin Spacey** as *Lester Burnham*
- **Annette Bening** as *Carolyn Burnham*
- **Thora Birch** as *Jane Burnham*
- **Wes Bentley** as *Ricky Fitts*
- **Mena Suvari** as *Angela Hayes*
- **Peter Gallagher** as *Buddy Kane*
- **Allison Janney** as *Barbara Fitts*
- **Chris Cooper** as *Colonel Fitts*
- **Scott Bakula** as *Jim Olmeyer*
- **Sam Robards** as *Jim Berkley*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the film about?
It follows a depressed father who decides to make significant changes to his life.

### Q: What genre is this?
It is a dramatic film focusing on personal crisis.

### Q: Is this a family film?
No, it deals with mature themes and is intended for adult viewers.

### Q: Who is the protagonist?
The story centers on Lester Burnham.

### Q: What triggers the plot?
The plot is set in motion by the protagonist's mid-life crisis and a new infatuation.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*