American Beauty · written by Alan Ball · 1999

Carolyn pitches the backyard to two women and offers tiki torches.

Scene 25 of 163 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Carolyn
Woman #1
Woman #2

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 13 min into a 1:37 film

The story so farBefore scene 25

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 22
Carolyn pitches the living room's dramatic look to a skeptical couple.
Scene 23
Carolyn sells the kitchen's supposed positive energy to another couple.
Scene 24
Carolyn points out a ceiling fan's savings to a pregnant buyer.
Scene 25
This scene

25EXT. SALE HOUSE - BACK YARD - LATER

Carolyn stands by the pool next to two fortyish WOMEN.

CAROLYN

You know, you could have some

really fun backyard get-togethers

out here.

WOMAN #1

The ad said this pool was "lagoon-

like." There's nothing "lagoon-

like" about it. Except for maybe

the bugs.

WOMAN #2

There's not even any plants out

here.

CAROLYN

(re: shrub)

What do you call this? Is this not

a plant? If you have a problem with

the plants, I can always call my

landscape architect. Solved.

WOMAN #2

I mean, I think "lagoon," I think

waterfall, I think tropical. This

is a cement hole.

A beat.

CAROLYN

I have some tiki torches in the

garage.