6. You're More Likely To End Up Content Than Happy (And Then Hate Yourself For It)
You can damn-near guarantee that if a film starts out depicting the comfort of middle-class existence, by the end it's going to have revealed the pervasive dark heart of vice that lurks under the surface, suggesting that, really, beneath that smart suit, tidy house and litter of kids, the middle class is more dissatisfied with their station in life than just about anyone else. Sam Mendes is the master of this; his Oscar-winning American Beauty and follow-up Revolutionary Road conceded that middle-class infatuation with practicality over spiritually and emotionally gratifying pursuits, which is then torn to shreds in its final reel of each film. The message here is that you can have nice things, but they will probably become something that binds you to a cycle of work and family life; you'll be comfortable and contented, but your ironic lack of freedom will ensure you're not truly "happy". You'll be depressed on the inside, but probably keep it to yourself.