American Beauty · written by Alan Ball · 1999

The halftime show ends, but Lester cannot take his eyes off Angela.

Scene 30 of 163 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 16 min into a 1:37 film

The story so farBefore scene 30

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 27
Jane waits for her parents at the basketball game; she tells Angela they are trying to take an active interest in her.
Scene 28
Carolyn and Lester argue in the car about whether Jane wants them at the game.
Scene 29
Angela's cheer routine triggers Lester's rose-petal fantasy of her.
Scene 30
This scene

30INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - CONTINUOUS

Angela, fully clothed, is once again surrounded by the other girls. The HIGH SCHOOL BAND plays its last note, the Dancing Spartanettes strike their final pose, and the audience APPLAUDS. Carolyn claps along with the rest of the audience. Lester just sits there, unable to take his eyes off Angela.