Greed as Downfall
The main lesson that viewers learn from the film is that greed leads to downfall. Spencer and his friends are greedy for money and this results in their downfall. The greed for money makes the students hatch a plan of stealing rare books from the library and selling them to the black market. The students know that the books are pricey and they will become rich once they sell them. Unfortunately, they are arrested and imprisoned before selling the books.
Theft and Corruption
The entire film is based on the theft of rare books from the library. The four college mates featured in the film hatch a plan to steal the rare books and sell them to black markets. Black markets are operated by corrupt wealthy individuals. Warren Lipka, a character in the film, seems to know more about corrupt deals because he offers to go to Amsterdam to search for buyers in black markets.
The Theme of Peer Pressure
Spencer Reinhard comes to the university as an obedient student. However, his interaction with Warren Lipka puts him in trouble. Due to peer pressure, Spencer is influenced to get involved in a heist. The obsession of wanting easy money makes Spencer succumb to peer pressure. Eventually, the four friends are arrested and imprisoned.
Duplicity and Malice
The theme of duplicity and malice is explored through Warren Lipka. Spencer is committed to getting a buyer for rare books and decides to seek help from Warren. Once Warren is given money to board a plane to Amsterdam, viewers don’t see him heading to the Netherlands. Warren dupes Spencer and treats him with malice unsuspectingly. Warren is portrayed as a con who is dishonest to his friends.
Perilous Friendship
The friendship between the four characters is perilous because it is based on thievery and dishonesty. Such friendship always leads to consequences. The four friends find themselves imprisoned after attempting to steal rare books from the library. The foundation of their friendship is decadent.
Identity and Privilege
The theme of "Identity and Privilege" in "American Animals" is a central aspect of the film's narrative. The characters, coming from relatively privileged backgrounds and attending college, grapple with a sense of entitlement and the belief that they are destined for greatness. This entitlement leads them to seek an audacious heist as a way to break free from the perceived mundanity of their lives. Their pursuit of this criminal endeavor is driven by a desire to assert their identities as something more than ordinary college students. However, this theme also explores the idea that privilege can sometimes blind individuals to the consequences of their actions and the moral boundaries they cross in the pursuit of their ambitions.
Moral Dilemma
The theme of "Moral Dilemma" in "American Animals" is a crucial element of the story. As the characters become more deeply involved in planning and executing the heist, they grapple with conflicting ethical values. They must reconcile their actions with their personal moral compasses, which creates tension and complexity in their characters. The heist forces them to confront the consequences of their choices and challenges their sense of right and wrong. This theme underscores the internal struggle faced by the characters as they rationalize their criminal behavior, highlighting the blurred line between their ambitions and the ethical boundaries they are willing to cross, ultimately adding depth to the film's exploration of their motivations and the heist's impact on their lives.
Reality vs. Fiction
The theme of "Reality vs. Fiction" in "American Animals" is a unique narrative approach. The film blurs the lines between reality and fiction by seamlessly integrating documentary-style interviews with the real individuals involved in the heist alongside dramatized reenactments by actors. This approach challenges the audience's perception of truth and memory, as it becomes clear that different people remember and recount events differently. The film explores the subjectivity of memory and the idea that our recollections of past experiences can be shaped by our own perspectives and biases. This theme adds layers of complexity to the storytelling, raising questions about the reliability of memory and the ways in which we construct narratives about our own lives.
Consequences and Regret
The theme of "Consequences and Regret" in "American Animals" is a central element that underscores the film's narrative. As the characters become increasingly embroiled in their audacious heist, they face not only the legal repercussions of their actions but also a deep emotional toll. Regret and remorse become palpable as they grapple with the consequences of their choices. This theme highlights the stark contrast between the initial thrill of the heist and the harsh reality that follows, as the characters come to terms with the gravity of their criminal behavior. It delves into the profound emotional impact of their decisions, ultimately forcing them to confront the moral complexities of their actions and the lasting scars they leave on their lives.
