In short order, Lester leaves his boring job after blackmailing his boss, and Carolyn has a brief affair with a fellow real-estate broker played by Peter Gallagher.

CNN: Review: 'American Beauty' is just that

Many familiar performers turn up in juicy cameos: John Cusack, Bob Balaban, Susan Sarandon, Fred Ward, Pamela Reed, Peter Gallagher, James Spader, Helen Hunt, and the country singer Kelly Willis.

NEWYORKER: Bob Roberts

Also with Randy Quaid and Peter Gallagher.

NEWYORKER: Last Dance (1996)

Peter Spiegel and Leigh Gallagher unearthed earnings for all the athletes.

FORBES: Sidelines