Since "American Beauty" showcases a dysfunctional family, a plethora of dialectics are present. This clip, however, shows a family dynamic that reveals the tensions of a few dialectics. Although the movie achieves this better as a whole, this clip acknowledges that not all families can be as ideal as they would prefer.
The clip begins with Janie, the daughter, coming home late for dinner. Then Carolyn, the mother, reveals that Lester, the father, quit his job. This launches an argument between the couple. Carolyn is upset because Lester should not be proud to lose a salary of $60, 000; Lester, however, is tired of going through the motions of life and prefers happiness to the tedium of a career in advertising.
Considering an ideal and normal family dinner (that subscribes to the constraints of American culture), this family is, in comparison, irritable and turbulent. Thus, the real vs. ideal dialect is represented. This juxtaposition is especially evident when Lester throws the plate of asparagus against the wall. Also, as opposed to couples making executive decisions about finances together, Lester shows another way that real families might act by quitting his job. This reveals a certain level of totality, or interdependence that is present in their relationship.
Another dialectic that can be seen is the public vs. private dialectic. Prior to this scene, the couple attends a dinner party where Lester acts conspicuously happy to be with his wife. Compared to this scene, though, it is clear that their private life is a contradiction to their public life. Public expectations have an effect on public status; therefore, the existence of this dichotomy is necessary to achieve a more personal relationship. Contextually, though, this particular scene rouses negative thoughts about the family’s private life.
Relational dialectics theory is based on the assumption that contradictions are ever-present in relational life. Lester and Carolyn are like physical representations of some of these contradictions, because the characters themselves contradict each other. Another assumption is that communication is inextricably linked to the search for a happy medium between these contradictions. The family as a whole lacks proper communication skills, and therefore their contradictions and actions are problematic. This family also represents the non-linear aspect of relational dialectics theory, which is a fundamental assumption claiming that not all relationships follow the same routine.
Throughout the movie they choose to use selection, which is exemplified by their independently made choices. Perhaps the family would not clash as much if they found compromised or used integration to solve their private problems. In trying to combine their contradictions, they might be able to come closer to the perceived ideal family.
