Every individual in the Burnham family amassed frustrations across time and could no longer regard other members of the family as the persons that they once loved and who once seemed perfect for them. It is as if the film wants viewers to understand that time is unforgiving with individuals who are unwilling to get actively engaged in improving their emotional lives. The American Dream is not just about material fulfillment, as it also needs to be supported by positive sentiments and love. Sex is definitely one of the principal reasons for which the Burnhams' marriage does not work. This influences Lester in employing a completely ignorant attitude in regard to his wife's sex appeal. It is very probable that he perceives Angela to be similar to Carolyn when she was younger. Carolyn's position toward Lester is quite similar, given that she does not feel offended when she realizes that her husband is attracted to their daughter's friend.
The risks coming along with having a dysfunctional family are rapidly made obvious as the Fitts family enters the scene. Although the new neighbors appear to be the perfect family, it is not long before their actual feelings come into light. The former colonel is attracted to men and is outraged when he is falsely led to believe that his son is gay, his son is a drug-dealer, and his wife is a withdrawn individual who appears to have little in common with the other members of her family.
The whole film is dominated by an air of cynicism, especially when considering the Burnham family. Each of the family's members seems to be wanting more from life, but the fact that they are in this family makes it almost impossible for them to achieve their goals. While they all express their desire to continue their lives separately from each-other, Lester accepts reality...
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