Wes Bentley's American Beauty: A Refresher Course

Wes Bentley's American Beauty: An Iconic Performance

In the 1999 American drama film American Beauty, Wes Bentley played the role of Ricky Fitts, a troubled and introspective teenager. His performance was critically acclaimed and earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination.

Ricky Fitts: A Complex Character

Ricky Fitts is a complex and enigmatic character. He is a loner who feels alienated from his family and friends. He is also a keen observer of the world around him and has a deep understanding of human nature.

Ricky's Relationship with Lester Burnham

One of the most important relationships in the film is Ricky's relationship with Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a middle-aged man who is going through a midlife crisis. Ricky becomes Lester's confidant and helps him to rediscover his passion for life.

Ricky's Role in the Film

Ricky Fitts plays a vital role in American Beauty. He is the catalyst for Lester's transformation and helps him to find meaning in his life. He also provides a voice for the disenfranchised and alienated youth of America.

Wes Bentley's Performance

Wes Bentley's performance as Ricky Fitts is one of the most iconic performances in American cinema. He brings a rare combination of intelligence, sensitivity, and vulnerability to the role. His performance is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

The Impact of American Beauty

American Beauty was a critical and commercial success. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film has also been praised for its depiction of teenage alienation and its exploration of the American Dream.

Conclusion

Wes Bentley's performance as Ricky Fitts in American Beauty is a master class in acting. His portrayal of a troubled and introspective teenager is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The film is a must-see for fans of cinema and a reminder of the power of art to change lives.

Key Figures

• American Beauty won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
• The film grossed over $350 million worldwide.
• Wes Bentley was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance as Ricky Fitts.

New Word: Disenfranchised

"Disenfranchised" means to be deprived of rights or privileges. In American Beauty, Ricky Fitts is disenfranchised from his family and friends. He feels like he doesn't belong anywhere and that no one understands him.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Ricky Fitts' Relationships

Table 2: Ricky Fitts' Character Traits

Table 3: American Beauty's Awards

Table 4: American Beauty's Box Office Performance

Pros and Cons of American Beauty

Pros:

• The film is visually stunning.
• The performances are excellent.
• The story is thought-provoking and moving.

Cons:

• The film can be dark and depressing at times.
• The ending is ambiguous and open to interpretation.

FAQs

1. What is American Beauty about?
   American Beauty is about a middle-aged man who is going through a midlife crisis. He finds new meaning in his life when he starts spending time with a troubled teenager.

2. Who plays Ricky Fitts?
   Wes Bentley plays Ricky Fitts.

3. What is Ricky Fitts' relationship with Lester Burnham?
   Ricky is Lester's confidant and helps him to rediscover his passion for life.

   

4. How does Ricky Fitts die?
   Ricky is shot and killed by a police officer at the end of the film.

5. What is the meaning of American Beauty?
   The meaning of American Beauty is open to interpretation. Some people believe that the film is about the beauty of life, while others believe that it is about the dark side of the American Dream.

6. Is American Beauty a good movie?
   American Beauty is a critically acclaimed film that won five Academy Awards. It is a well-made film with strong performances and a thought-provoking story.

7. Is American Beauty appropriate for children?
   American Beauty is rated R for language, sexuality, and violence. It is not appropriate for children.

8. Where can I watch American Beauty?
   American Beauty is available to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.