Wen 丨 Editor Chunze
The movie "American Beauty" is a classic directed by Sam Mendes, which reveals the psychological distress and conflict between the concept of beauty and personal pursuit in modern society through the perspective of a middle-aged man.
The concept of beauty and individual identity in modern society
Modern society's conception of beauty largely shapes an individual's identity.
Through channels such as media, advertising and social platforms, modern society is constantly instilling in individuals with standardization and anxiety about beauty.
The definition of beauty is often closely linked to factors such as appearance, stature, wealth, and social status, forming a universally accepted concept of beauty.
This conception of beauty has a profound impact on individual identity.
It creates a standardized model that creates dissatisfaction and anxiety about their appearance and image.
Individuals often feel a lack of self-confidence and a decline in self-evaluation when pursuing this ideal beauty.
Modern society's conception of beauty often associates an individual's identity with consumer goods and brands. Individuals want to shape and express their self-concept by displaying their status by purchasing products that meet social beauty standards.
This materialistic pursuit and consumerist culture makes individuals more vulnerable to outside judgment and social pressure.
Since each person's appearance, wealth, and social status are different, the standardization and universalization of the idea of beauty can lead to a challenge and pressure on the individual's self-identification.
This can lead to self-denial, feelings of inferiority, and mental health problems.
The modern society's concept of beauty is closely related to individual identity. Individuals need to recognize that standards of beauty are relative and call for a social emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
The inner self-confidence of values and the pursuit of inner beauty can help individuals build a more positive and healthy identity, free from the excessive dependence on external beauty and the problem of self-comparison.
The psychological distress of the protagonist
The protagonist in "American Beauty" has deep psychological distress. His name is Lester Bourneham, a middle-aged man who is beginning to get bored and lost in his life.
Lester was frustrated and dissatisfied with his marriage. He is estranged from his wife, Carol, and lacks intimacy and communication between the two.
Leicester longs to rediscover his freedom and passion, and regrets and loses his independent and hopeful youth.
Lester felt depressed professionally. He spends his days in a boring job, feeling that his abilities are not being fully utilized, and is confused and dissatisfied with the pursuit of his career.
He is disgusted by hypocrisy and power games at work and longs for a more meaningful existence.
Leicester was also plagued by social pressure. He felt unable to adapt and integrate into social situations, and his interactions with friends and neighbors were superficial and hollow. He is angry and alienated by the hypocrisy and superficiality of those around him.
All this psychological distress plunged Leicester into a state of self-disorientation. He began to pursue self-liberation and happiness, looking for the self that was once full of hope and passion.
His quest for beauty became a way out of his boring life. His transformation of his body, the urge to find true love, and his desire for freedom mark his desire to redefine his identity.
The psychological distress of the protagonist reveals the dilemmas and pressures faced by many people in modern society. They feel lost and numb in their lives and yearn for a more authentic, meaningful existence.
By finding the way of self-realization of beauty, Leicester triggers the audience's deep thinking about the concept of beauty and individual happiness in modern society.
The misalignment of self-pursuit and beauty
In the movie "American Beauty", the protagonist Lester Bourneham's pursuit of beauty is dislocated and conflicted with the real world.
His pursuit of beauty often deviated from society's conceptions and standards of beauty, leading him to conflict with his surroundings.
The beauty that Lester pursues is not in harmony with the reality of the family and marriage in which he finds himself.
He is disappointed in Carol's wife, believing that she cannot satisfy his quest for beauty and passion. In order to escape the mediocrity of marriage, he began to develop a sense of indifference and alienation from family life.
His pursuit of beauty goes beyond reality, leading to a further breakdown of family relationships.
Leicester's pursuit of beauty was incompatible with his professional circumstances and social status. He felt depressed and bored in a boring job, eager to find a career that was more meaningful and self-worthy.
His pursuit of beauty, such as resigning and pursuing a career in photography, clashed with society's notions of stability and success and was considered irrational and risky.
Leicester's pursuit of beauty has a negative impact on their personal well-being and mental health.
He is obsessed with the look and body image of his youth, and pursues the perfect appearance through exercise and transformation.
His pursuit neglects intrinsic values and emotional needs, causing harm to the people and society around him.
This misalignment of self-pursuit with the real world puts Leicester in a psychological and emotional dilemma.
He faces a great contrast between his pursuits and the life and identity he wants, and his behavior is seen as not conforming to society's expectations and norms.
This dislocation and conflict left him feeling isolated and confused, eventually leading him to meet the tragic end of his fate.
By reflecting on Leicester's self-pursuit and the misalignment of beauty, the film "American Beauty" reveals that when individuals overly pursue external beauty and superficial happiness, they may neglect inner value and true sources of happiness.
It reminds people to examine their own pursuits and behaviors, balancing the pursuit of outer beauty with the development of inner self-identity in order to achieve true happiness and inner balance.
conclusion
In Leicester's quest for beauty, he becomes dislocated and in conflict with the real world.
His pursuits do not conform to the norms and expectations of family, profession and society, leading to his contradictions and feelings of alienation from his surroundings.
His self-pursuit emphasizes outward appearances and ignores intrinsic values and emotional needs, causing harm to himself and those around him.
By presenting Leicester's story, the film "American Beauty" puts forward the importance of reflecting on and critiquing the concept of beauty in modern society.
It calls on individuals to seek balance in the pursuit of beauty, attach importance to the development of inner beauty and emotional levels, and realize that the pursuit of external beauty cannot be the sole basis for individual happiness.
Reflection on the idea of beauty and the importance of inner self-pursuit can help individuals build a healthy identity and true sense of well-being.
By thinking about and exploring their own inner needs and values, individuals can find a more balanced and meaningful life, and pursue beauty and happiness that truly fit with their hearts.
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