10 Things You Didn't Know About American Beauty
4. Matters Of Music Taste
The character’s taste in music comes into play throughout
the film. The music the Burnham’s play during dinner is a contentious issue.
Lester describes Carolyn’s choices as “elevator music” and during his revived
teenage rebellion he refers to it as “Lawrence Welk sh*t”.
Both Lester and Carolyn have signature songs. Lester The Guess Who’s ‘70s rock classic American woman, and Carolyn Bobby Darin’s cover of Funny Girl anthem Don’t Rain on My Parade.
Jane’s music taste is subtly referenced like the subdued character herself. However, Jane has the musical taste in the family.
Of the numerous posters on Jane’s bedroom wall, those which are visible feature the album art for some of the most popular albums of the decade - Metal band Orgy’s Candyass, electronic dance band The Prodigy’s The Fat of the Land, and alternative singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette's Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie.
In a scene with Jane and Angela, indie rock band Eels’ video
for Cancer for the Cure plays. The track is featured on the movie’s official
soundtrack. It has a dark and witty opening verse about kids “diggin' up a
brand new hole” for their elders.