American Beauty · written by Alan Ball · 1999

Jane covers her ears as Angela elaborates her sexual fantasy about Lester.

Scene 55 of 163 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Jane
Angela

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 35 min into a 1:37 film

The story so farBefore scene 55

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 52
Lester snaps out of the fantasy as Carolyn and Jane arrive, then welcomes Angela to stay over.
Scene 53
Angela tells Jane that Lester is attractive, while Jane resents her interest.
Scene 54
Lester eavesdrops as Angela says she wants him, then flees before she notices.
Scene 55
This scene

55INT. BURNHAM HOUSE - JANE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

JANE

Shut up.

ANGELA

Oh, come on. Like you've never

sneaked a peek at him in his

underwear? I bet he's got a big

dick.

JANE

You are so grossing me out right

now.

ANGELA

(really enjoying this)

If he built up his chest and arms,

I would totally fuck him.

Jane covers her ears and starts SINGING to drown her out.