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American Beauty scene 71: EXT. ROBIN HOOD TRAIL - CONTINUOUS · The Reading Room

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American Beauty
Scene 71

American Beauty · written by Alan Ball · 1999

Lester joins the Jims and asks them for fitness advice, saying he wants to look good naked.

Scene 71 of 163 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Lester
Jim #2
Jim #1

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 42 min into a 1:37 film

The story so farBefore scene 71

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 68
Lester imagines Angela in a rose-petal bath, then reveals he is masturbating beside Carolyn.
Scene 69
Lester and Carolyn fight over their dead marriage and his refusal to accept her terms.
Scene 70
Lester's voice reflects on rediscovering surprises as the camera approaches the jogging Jims.
Scene 71
This scene

71EXT. ROBIN HOOD TRAIL - CONTINUOUS

We're now at street level, FOLLOWING the two Jims.

LESTER

Hey! You guys!

Still running, the Jims turn back in perfect unison, as Lester runs INTO FRAME, wearing a baggy sweatshirt and a pair of faded old sweatpants.

The Jims slow down until he catches up, then the three men run together in the early morning light.

JIM #2

Lester, I didn't know you ran.

LESTER

(panting)

Well, I just started.

JIM #1

Good for you.

LESTER

I figured you guys might be able to

give me some pointers. I need to

shape up. Fast.

JIM #1

Well, are you just looking to lose

weight, or do you want have

increased strength and flexibility

as well?

LESTER

I want to look good naked.

← Scene 70EXT. ROBIN HOOD TRAIL - EARLY MORNING Read the screenplay from here Scene 72 →EXT. FITTS HOUSE - A SHORT TIME LATER