American Beauty · written by Alan Ball · 1999

Ricky answers his mother without looking away from Jane.

Scene 40 of 163 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Ricky

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 22 min into a 1:37 film

The story so farBefore scene 40

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 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
Ricky films Jane through her window as his mother calls him to breakfast.
Scene 40
This scene

40INT. FITTS HOUSE - RICKY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Ricky stands at his window, videotaping. He lowers his Digicam, but his eyes remain locked on Jane across the way.

RICKY

Be right there.