Girl Interrupted In American Beauty Analysis

It has long been a ubiquitous phenomenon that people are 'normal ' if they follow the conformity. They just uphold the belief of being the ideal person everyone expected from is perfect and on right track. However, most, if not all, of the trend followers will eventually lose oneself and autonomy. To reconstruct own identity, the only way is self-discovery. Germany poets Rainer Maria Rilke said, “The only journey is the one within.” The process of self-discovery can help people to live according to their own values and passion and thus a more complete and meaningful in every dimension of that life.

The purpose of this analytical essay is to compare the journey of self-revelation in the two films: American Beauty by Sam Mendes and Girl Interrupted

To Lester, he considers 'do whatever he wants ' is the definition of ultimate happiness and can help him to regenerate passion. Lester has captured the capability of controlling his own life instead of following the others ' footsteps in the later part of movie. In the dinning scene after Lester quits his job. He violently hurls the dish against the wall and force it smashes as a means to stop the interrupted Carolyn. Sam Mendes comprehensively presented the shift in family role and the sign of regaining the power. The power is crucial component to breakthrough form the oppression. By listening to loud music in his garage, buying the dream car of his youth -- a flashy Firebird. He relives as an enthusiastic youth and a high-spirited member of

As far as the beginning of the journey is concerned, both director show us losing one self is prerequisite to the whole discovery. In American Beauty, Lester loses himself in following social norm, while in Girl, Interrupted, Susanna loses herself attributed to confinement and gradually imitates others patients ' behavior rather than being herself. As for the triggers that motivate them to change, both directors agree that the external strengths are the sources of their changes. Energetic and passionate teenagers inspire Lester to transform, on the other hand, sudden issue of Daily 's death has stimulate Susanna 's nerves to make a change. On top of that, both directors discuss the way the protagonist attempt self-discovery and the respective benefits and drawbacks. Sam Mendes displays a dramatic alternation of life style is detrimental to one self, as it may damages the interpersonal relationship. However, when once finally realized his or her own responsibility, this is a real self-discover which lead to a deeper understanding of one self. Whereas, James Mangold shows us expressing own thoughts is conducive to and effective in self-discovery, as through communicating and interaction they can view themselves in another perspective. The discussion is siginificant and drives audien to reflect the importance and value of