“Deconstructing Middle America: A Critical Analysis of American Beauty”

Each  project will end up as a 3-5 page paper: 1 page (or less) summary of what you read/watched), 1-2 pages answering a few questions, and 1-2 pages reaction to the philosophical themes of the book/movie.
American Beauty, director Mendes. As an opening warning, most people end up loving or hating both of these choices. Mendes brutally attacks “Middle America” or what Russell called the “practical man.” Neither really is easy to digest or deal with, but in the end, what do you think their real message is? What is he trying to say about Middle America, “the Moral Majority,” and/or “family values?” Who are the real bad guys? Are they right?