American Beauty · written by Alan Ball · 1999

Ricky films Jane through her window as his mother calls him to breakfast.

Scene 39 of 163 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Woman'S Voice

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 21 min into a 1:37 film

The story so farBefore scene 39

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.
Scenes 14–31
Family estrangement and his attraction to Angela expose how urgently Lester wants to feel alive.
Just before
Scene 36
Jane locks the door, checks that Ricky is gone, then smiles.
Scene 37
Lester secretly dials Angela after finding her number in Jane’s book; Jane discovers the address book open after he flees.
Scene 38
Angela teases Jane by phone about Lester's call; Jane discovers her open address book.
Scene 39
This scene

39EXT. BURNHAM HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

On VIDEO: We're across from Jane's WINDOW, looking in. Jane picks up the address book, frowning. She speaks into the phone, but we can't hear her.

WOMAN'S VOICE (O.C.)

(sing song)

Rick-y! Break-fast!