American Beauty Family Scene

What do we learn about the family in this scene?

Camera Work

The scene starts with the camera on several tables which are showing pictures of Jane smiling, next to more roses. The camera then moves to a wide shot of the dinner table, Jane is sitting in between bothe parents. The camera then slowly zooms in towards them. Throughought the scene there are also more family photos but where they are happy.

Mise en scene

When the camera cuts to the table, Jane is seen to be sitting behind the roses. There are mainly the same bland colours used again in this scene,  which again shows the dullnes of the family life. The parents are also directly opposite of each other which could show some sort of conflict over jane? Lester is also very slouched in his seat showing his lazy personality again. When Lester is confronted by his wife he leaves for the kitchen. Showing him to be quite cowardly.

Music

The music throughout the scene is Bali Hai from the musical South Pacific. Jane said, "do we always have to listen to this elevator music". This shows that their meal times are always very routine and similar.