American Beauty · written by Alan Ball · 1999

Jane and Angela investigate the noise; Angela spots something outside the window.

Scene 57 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 57

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 54
Lester eavesdrops as Angela says she wants him, then flees before she notices.
Scene 55
Jane covers her ears as Angela elaborates her sexual fantasy about Lester.
Scene 56
Lester panics in the hallway when Angela hears something and flees.
Scene 57
This scene

57INT. BURNHAM HOUSE - JANE'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

JANE

Yeah, it was the sound of you being

a huge disgusting pig.

ANGELA

I'm serious.

We HEAR the sharp TAP of a penny being thrown against glass.

ANGELA (CONT'D)

See?

Angela crosses to the window and looks out.

ANGELA (CONT'D)

(spots something)

Oh my God. Jane.