"American Beauty" Love It Or Leave It Quiz

Answer: "look closer"

"Look closer" appeared, by accident, in Lester's cubicle at work. Someone on the film crew inadvertantly threw it onto the set. Director Sam Mendes noticed it and it struck him as right for the movie's poster. It really did fit since there is a lot to notice in the story.

Answer: A dead bird

Ricky Fitts, played by Wes Bentley, was a bit of an odd duck. His view of things were unique, if nothing worse. He was probably the only person who might see the beauty in a dead bird (but he was fond of Lester, too, which could explain that). He did video tape a floating plastic bag as well.

The symbolism in that was very rich, too. "There's something spectacular about litter in the wind!" Or at least I think he'd have probably explained it that way.

Answer: Scott Bakula

Bakula, along with Sam Robards, played "Jim and Jim". They were the neighbors of the Burnham's, a gay couple who really seemed more understandable than any of the others. The neighborhood had a guy over here going through a brutal mid-life crisis and a completely psycho military guy living over there.

Answer: Hairspray

Marissa won for "Hairspray". She only had one scene in "American Beauty" but it was a memorable one. She and Lester are slinging burgers at Mr. Smiley's when Carolyn and "The King" come to the window, obviously up to no good. Marissa's line: "You are so busted!"

Answer: 1970 Pontiac Firebird

Doesn't every man buy a new classic car when they've quit their real job, taken a job at a fast food restaurant and has a cheating wife? Lester did.

Answer: Jane Burnham

Jane had a distant and odd relationship with her father and just couldn't understand what he was going through. She even discussed with Ricky having him murdered. Again, more sly symbolism in their relationship.

Answer: Chevy Chase

I just can't imagine Chevy doing the part, no matter how hard I try. Tom Selleck was considered, too (?). The director, who liked Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening right from the start, got his wish. But the powers-that-be had some different ideas.

Answer: It was never revealed

It was actually never told. They decided to leave the city mostly anonymous. Some of the props hint at Chicago but the aerial shots were of Sacramento.

Answer: Lolita

Nabokov's "Lolita" is sensibly right. Humbert Humbert is the character in it that falls deeply into love/obsession with a much younger girl. The anagram part comes in deciphering and changing around the letters in Lester Burnham's name. It spells out "Humbert learns".

Answer: "You will someday."

Lester (Kevin Spacey) learns a lot, although he gets it a little too late. There is a whole lot in this movie; it intrigues me every time I watch it. Not watching it completely makes it all look a little absurd but paying attention makes it strangely profound. Love it or leave it! I hope you had a bit of fun on this quiz!