The movie American Beauty, directed by Mendes, brutally attacks Middle America or what Russell called the practical man. The movie really is not easy to digest or deal with, but in the end, what do you think their real message is? What is he trying to say about Middle America, the Moral Majority, and/or family values? Who are the real bad guys? Are they right? Is the movie really pessimistic, or does American Beauty offer (suggest) some chance of redemption?