American Beauty: What Does the Title Mean?




After having seen and enjoyed the movie American Beauty,
if you are like most viewers you probably left the theater/cinema
wondering what the title had to do with the movie.   Some of you
probably figured out that the roses that kept showing up in key
locations in Kevin Spacey's fantasy sequences were in fact
American Beauty roses. But still, why are American Beauty roses
used in this way throughout the film?  Here is why:

Florenz Ziegfeld of Ziegfeld Follies fame was one of the most successful producers in the history of Broadway. He gained his reputation by developing a technique to "glorify the American girl." He was able to transform average show girls into visions of mystery and seduction on stage. One of his techniques was to improve the self-confidence of the girls by his own gallantry and consideration. On opening night at the Follies, he sent telegrams to the stars of the show and deluged every chorus girl with American Beauty roses.