American Beauty · written by Alan Ball · 1999

Carolyn practices her determined sales smile in the bathroom mirror.

Scene 20 of 163 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Carolyn

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 12 min into a 1:37 film

The story so farBefore scene 20

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 17
Lester notices the old amusement-park photo of his once-happy family.
Scene 18
Carolyn arrives at a stale listing and finds Buddy Kane's sold sign beside hers.
Scene 19
Carolyn repeats that she will sell the ugly house today.
Scene 20
This scene

20INT. SALE HOUSE - BATHROOM - LATER

Carolyn stands in front of the mirror, wearing her suit once more, applying lipstick. She stares at her reflection critically.

CAROLYN

I will sell this house today.

She says this as if it were a threat, then notices a smudge on the mirror and wipes it off.