American Beauty · written by Alan Ball · 1999

Jane meets Barbara, who apologizes for the spotless kitchen.

Scene 88 of 163 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Ricky
Barbara
Jane

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 54 min into a 1:37 film

The story so farBefore scene 88

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.
Scenes 32–75
Lester follows the desire into risky fantasy, exercise and open defiance of Carolyn.
Scene 76
Lester blackmails Brad for severance and quits, committing to a life outside his corporate routine.
Scene 79
Jane asks Ricky to stop filming her, and chooses to walk with him after their earlier school encounter.
Just before
Scene 85
A baffled manager doubts Lester can adapt, but Lester points to his past fast-food experience.
Scene 86
Carolyn tells Buddy that their affair relieves her stress; he recommends firing a gun.
Scene 87
Jane and Ricky discuss death and beauty as a funeral procession passes.
Scene 88
This scene

88INT. FITTS HOUSE - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

Barbara Fitts sits at the kitchen table, staring off into space as if hypnotized. Behind her, Ricky enters, followed by Jane.

RICKY

Mom, I want you to meet somebody.

(no response)

Mom.

Barbara's eyes flutter and she turns to him slowly.

BARBARA

(pleasant)

Yes?

RICKY

I want you to meet somebody. This

is Jane.

JANE

Hi.

BARBARA

Oh, my. I apologize for the way

things look around here.

Jane glances around. The room is spotless.