American Beauty (1999 film) his family in happier times, and dies having had an epiphany that infuses him with "wonder, joy, and soul-shaking gratitude"—he has finally seen the world as it is. According to Patti Bellantoni, colors are used symbolically throughout the film, none more so than red, which is an important thematic signature that drives the story and "[defines] Lester's arc". First seen in drab colors that reflect his passivity, Lester surrounds himself with red as he regains his individuality. The American Beauty rose is repeatedly used as symbol; when Lester fantasizes about Angela, she is usually naked and surrounded by rose petals.
Carolyn Murphy Carolyn Murphy Carolyn Murphy (born August 11, 1973) is an American model and actress. In 1998, Murphy was named VH1/"Vogue"s Model of the Year. She played Dubbie in Barry Levinson's film "Liberty Heights". She was one of the "Modern Muses" on the November 1999 millennium cover of American "Vogue" and was chosen to represent Calvin Klein's perfume, "Contradiction". In 1998, during a photo shoot for "Elle", the photographer noticed her resemblance to the actress Gene Tierney and dubbed her "The blonde Gene Tierney". Murphy has shot campaigns for Missoni, Versace and Tiffany & Co. In 2005 she was featured on