American Beauty · written by Alan Ball · 1999

Carolyn arrives at a stale listing and finds Buddy Kane's sold sign beside hers.

Scene 18 of 163 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 10 min into a 1:37 film

The story so farBefore scene 18

After becoming infatuated with his teenage daughter’s friend, a dissatisfied suburban father quits his job and pursues a more vivid life, unsettling his family and drawing him into the orbit of a troubled teenage neighbor.

Scenes 1–13
Lester is trapped in a suburban routine of corporate work and a marriage performed for appearances.
Just before
Scene 15
Lester apologizes to Jane for being unavailable and asks what has happened between them; she resists his attempt to reconnect.
Scene 16
Ricky films Lester's failed attempt to talk with Jane through the greenhouse window.
Scene 17
Lester notices the old amusement-park photo of his once-happy family.
Scene 18
This scene

18EXT. SALE HOUSE - DAY

CLOSE on a wooden SIGN that reads:

OPEN HOUSE TODAY

BURNHAM & ASSOCIATES REALTY

555-0195 Carolyn Burnham

The sign is planted in front of a RUN-DOWN HOME in a run-down neighborhood. The Mercedes is parked in front of the house. Carolyn, wearing a smart business suit, is unloading a box of cleaning supplies and a BOOMBOX from the back of the Mercedes when something across the street catches her eye.

Her POV: In front of a different house with much more curb appeal is another SIGN, featuring a picture of a handsome silver-haired MAN. It reads: Another One SOLD By Buddy Kane The Real Estate King 555-0100

Carolyn frowns and slams the back of the Mercedes shut.