American dream and material possessions

American dream and material possessions

One recurring theme throughout the movie is material possessions and the obsession of looking successful. After Lester decides to operate outside the American dream, we see a shift in how the family functions. This particular dinner scene was marked with a lot of drama and an explanation of how the obsession of the American dream and material possessions can ruin a family. After Lester quits his job, his wife is bickering at him at the dinner table. Jane tries to leave, but his dad shouts at her to sit down. Lester explains that he is tired of being ignored by his family. When his wife tries to interrupt him, he throws a plate at the wall and shuts up Carolyn. Lester then states that they will start alternating the background music playing during dinner as it is obscure. This shows how Lester strives to find a balance in his life. The candles, the background music, and the dinner table setting all symbolize the theme of material possessions. Furthermore, Carolyn’s constant bickering of his husband’s lack of employment shows how she is obsessed with remaining wealthy. She is obsessed with the American dream and material possessions just as much as his husband was before.

This scene furthers the narrative by showing us how family also pushes towards the American dream. The pressure comes from all over, including Lester himself. The family is supposed to be the most important thing about a person, and it is to Lester. This shows the contribution of the American family towards the obsession with the American dream. Additionally, many people strive to achieve the American goal of being successful and wealthy. Wealth and material possessions are represented in the dinner scene. The narrative that there should exist a balance between work and home is also shown in this scene. There is no balance for Carolyn, and so it affects her whole family. Even when Lester is trying to achieve this balance, Carolyn’s obsession is still a problem.

Lastly, this scene furthers the narrative by showing us how obsession can ruin one’s family and friends. Lester and Carolyn were both obsessed with material possessions. It ruined their marriage and affected their child. Even when Lester tries to pull out, he realizes there is no relationship between him and his wife and neither his daughter. The American dream also blinds people to what is going on around them. Lester’s daughter had self-esteem issues, yet neither the mother nor the father knew. They were all engrossed in achieving success that they didn’t realize the beauty around them.  This is waking up call for Lester. He realizes that his existence has been ignored by his family and seeks to establish it. This is also waking up call for Carolyn as she realizes she shoulders the responsibilities of the family. She also realizes she has no relationship with his husband nor daughter due to her obsession with the American dream. This is good filmmaking as it captures what happens in the real world. It is enjoyable and still teaches a lesson.