You don't want to be taught to think a certain way subconsciously. These same questions can be asked and answered when it comes to the movie American Beauty. What is the message of the film? The film's main message regarding Lester is that middle age is boring and no fun. Being young and free was described as much nicer than being old and tied down. Is it a stereotype against a certain group? Obviously, middle-aged men are one of the targeted groups in this film. We as viewers can have control over what we see through the media by always asking