Quotes from the Movie American Beauty

I feel like I've been in a coma for the past twenty years. And I'm just now waking up.

Lester Burnham

Our marriage is just for show. A commercial for how normal we are when we're anything but.

Lester Burnham

Remember those posters that said, 'Today is the first day of the rest of your life'? Well, that's true of every day but one — the day you die.

Lester Burnham

Oh, it's okay. I wouldn't remember me either.

Lester Burnham

Smile! You're at Mr. Smiley's.

Lester Burnham

We've met before, but something tells me you're going to remember me this time.

Lester Burnham

[To Carolyn] You don't get to tell me what to do ever again.

Lester Burnham

We have a very healthy relationship.

Lester Burnham

[To Ricky Fitts] I think you just became my personal hero!

Lester Burnham

I had always heard your entire life flashes in front of your eyes the second before you die. First of all, that one second isn't a second at all, it stretches on forever, like an ocean of time. For me, it was lying on my back at Boy Scout Camp, watching falling stars. And yellow leaves, from the maple trees that lined our street. Or my grandmother's hands, and the way her skin seemed like paper. And the first time I saw my cousin Tony's brand new Firebird. And Janie... and Janie. And... Carolyn. I guess I could be really pissed off about what happened to me, but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst. And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain. And I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life. You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry... you will someday.

Lester Burnham

[To Jane] Honey, I'm so proud of you. I watched you very closely, and you didn't screw up once!

Carolyn Burnham

You cannot count on anyone except yourself.

Carolyn Burnham

You ungrateful little brat! Just look at everything you have. When I was your age, we... lived in a duplex! We didn't even have our own house!

Carolyn Burnham

I will sell this house today, I will sell this house today...

Carolyn Burnham

[To Lester] Honey, don't be weird!

Carolyn Burnham