American Beauty (1999 film) as Lester and Angela get closer, finally taking the roses—and thus Carolyn—out of the shot. Lester's epiphany at the end of the film is expressed by rain and the use of red, building to a crescendo that is a deliberate contrast to the release Lester feels. The constant use of red "lulls [the audience] subliminally" into becoming used to it; consequently, it leaves the audience unprepared when Lester is shot and his blood spatters on the wall. Pennington argues that "American Beauty" defines its characters through their sexuality. Lester's attempts to relive his youth are a direct result of his
Linda Frye Burnham 1998). Among the books she has edited are: "Making Exact Change: How U.S. arts-based programs have made a significant and sustained impact on their communities", (2005); "Performing Communities Grassroots Ensemble Theaters", New Village Press (2006); "Bridge Conversations: People Who Live and Work in Multiple Worlds", Arts & Democracy Press (2011). In 1999 Burnham was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the Women’s Caucus on the Arts. In 2013, she and Steven Durland received the ATHE Award for Leadership in Community-based Theater and Civic Engagement. Linda Frye Burnham "For the activist and author, please see Linda Burnham." Linda Frye Burnham (born