Existentialism, the philosophy that life is meaningless if one fails to find their own purpose, is not one that is widely seen in film. American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes, is a film that revolves around the theme of existentialism. Lester Burnham, the main character, a sad, troubled 42 year old man, married to a plastic real estate agent, has a typical teenage daughter and is the narrator of this film. Before he becomes enlightened he expresses his ignorance of how his life is falling to pieces. When he finally awakens he attempts to sleep with an underage girl, no questions asked, and displays a “que sera’ sera’” attitude towards his cheating wife. Through all of these rebellious acts he exhibits perfectly the stage in existentialist philosophy where he finds his meaning in beauty and small things.