American Beauty (1999 film) American Beauty (1999 film) American Beauty is a 1999 American drama film written by Alan Ball and directed by Sam Mendes in his feature film directorial debut. Kevin Spacey stars as Lester Burnham, a 42-year-old advertising executive who has a midlife crisis when he becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter's best friend, Angela (Mena Suvari). Annette Bening co-stars as Lester's materialistic wife, Carolyn, and Thora Birch plays their insecure daughter, Jane. Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper, and Allison Janney also feature. The film is described by academics as a satire of American middle-class notions of beauty and personal satisfaction; analysis has
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