The “American Dream” is a multifaceted concept deeply rooted in the American psyche, signifying ideals of freedom, prosperity, success, and upward social mobility, often achieved through hard work and determination. Films about the American Dream explore these themes in various contexts, reflecting the aspirations, struggles, triumphs, and sometimes the illusions or critiques of this dream. These stories can be inspirational, cautionary, or reflective, showcasing characters from diverse backgrounds and their journeys toward personal and professional fulfillment within the tapestry of American society.
Here is a list of films that encompass the broad spectrum of narratives around the American Dream:
“The Pursuit of Happyness”, 2006
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Based on a true story, this film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his son but refuses to give up, persisting through immense struggles to achieve his dreams of financial and personal success.
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Kurt Fuller, Takayo Fischer, Kevin West, George Cheung;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Pursuit of Happyness” on the website imdb.com
“American Beauty”, 1999
Director: Sam Mendes
A darkly satirical critique of the American Dream, this film delves into the life of Lester Burnham, who experiences a mid-life crisis and becomes infatuated with his daughter's best friend, all while depicting the dysfunctional aspects of suburban American life.
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Suvari, Peter Gallagher, Allison Janney, Chris Cooper, Scott Bakula, Sam Robards;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “American Beauty” on the website imdb.com
“Scarface”, 1983
Director: Brian De Palma
The iconic rags-to-riches story of Tony Montana, an immigrant who arrives in Miami with nothing and rises to become a powerful drug lord, offering a gritty view of the American Dream's underbelly and the corrupting influence of power and greed.
Starring: Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Robert Loggia, Miriam Colon, F. Murray Abraham, Paul Shenar, Harris Yulin, Ángel Salazar;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: drama, crime, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 170 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Scarface” on the website imdb.com
“The Great Gatsby”, 2013
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, this film portrays the glamorous and tragic story of Jay Gatsby's obsessive pursuit of love and prosperity, emblematic of the 1920s American Dream, filled with desire, disillusionment, and the quest for happiness.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, Elizabeth Debicki, Callan McAuliffe, Jack Thompson, Amitabh Bachchan;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 143 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Great Gatsby” on the website imdb.com
“A Better Life”, 2011
Director: Chris Weitz
This film tells the poignant story of an undocumented immigrant gardener in Los Angeles and his efforts to give his son a better future, showcasing the challenges and aspirations of immigrants in pursuit of the American Dream.
Starring: Demián Bichir, Eddie «Piolin» Sotelo, Joaquín Cosio, José Julián, Nancy Lenehan, Gabriel Chavarria, Bobby Soto, Chelsea Rendon, Trampas Thompson, Tim Griffin;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“Wall Street”, 1987
Director: Oliver Stone
A sharp critique of the excesses of the 1980s financial sector, it follows Bud Fox, an ambitious stockbroker who gets embroiled in illegal and unethical activities under the tutelage of Gordon Gekko, a ruthless and greedy corporate raider, illustrating the dark side of ambition and the American Dream.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Daryl Hannah, Martin Sheen, Hal Holbrook, Terence Stamp, Saul Rubinek, William G. Knight, James Spader, Tamara Tunie;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Wall Street” on the website imdb.com
“Far and Away”, 1992
Director: Ron Howard
A romantic adventure film that tells the story of Irish immigrants seeking fortune in 1890s America, battling to claim land in the Oklahoma Land Rush, embodying the themes of adventure, love, and the pursuit of prosperity in the New World.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Thomas Gibson, Robert Prosky, Barbara Babcock, Colm Meaney, Michelle Johnson, Jared Harris, Cyril Cusack, Eileen Pollock;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: drama, melodrama, adventure, western;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 140 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Far and Away” on the website imdb.com
“La La Land”, 2016
Director: Damien Chazelle
A modern musical that explores the dreams and realities of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz musician, as they try to build their careers in Los Angeles. This film beautifully captures the spirit of ambition, love, and the quest for artistic success in contemporary America.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, J.K. Simmons, Rosemarie DeWitt, Finn Wittrock, Callie Hernandez, Sonoya Mizuno, Jessica Rothe, Tom Everett Scott;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: musical, drama, melodrama, comedy, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
These films, among many others, offer a rich exploration of the American Dream, highlighting its complexities, allure, and sometimes, its elusive nature. They serve as cultural reflections on the ever-evolving narrative of what it means to seek and achieve success in America.
The exploration of the American Dream through film offers a nuanced tapestry of hope, ambition, and disillusionment, reflecting the evolving ethos of a nation perennially in pursuit of both material success and spiritual fulfillment. From the early optimism depicted in classics like “The Pursuit of Happyness” to the more critical examinations found in modern narratives such as “American Beauty,” cinema acts as a mirror to society's collective consciousness, challenging viewers to question the very foundation of their aspirations. These films, in their vivid portrayal of triumph and tragedy, reveal the multifaceted nature of the American Dream, embodying not just the pursuit of wealth and status, but also the quest for identity, purpose, and a place to call home. Ultimately, these cinematic journeys underscore a fundamental human longing not just for success, but for connection, happiness, and a sense of belonging, making the American Dream a universally resonant phenomenon that continues to inspire, challenge, and provoke.
