Revolutionary Road

Revolutionary Road (2008)
Directed by Sam Mendes
Length: 119 minutes
Rated R for some language and some sexual content/nudity





When you think of the 1950s, what is the image that typically comes to mind? The white suburban couple, living in the nice big house, two to three kids, a white picket fence, husband with a job in the city, wife stays at home...essentially, the stereotypical Leave it to Beaver motif. But what Sam Mendes attempts to show in this powerful, emotional, and almost uncomfortable film is that the happiness so readily on display by the loving suburbanites is nothing more then a phony facade. When you put two amazing actors together, both at the top of their games, the result is a film wrought with drama that will leave you considering if life truly went according to plan.

Set in the mid-1950s, Revolutionary Road focuses on the young Wheeler couple, two kids with big dreams trying to escape the boring life of normality. Frank, played by the always amazing Leonardo DiCaprio (Shutter Island, Body of Lies), works a job in the city that he absolutely despises in order to provide for his family, all while dreaming of a life in Paris. April, played by recent Oscar winner Kate Winslet (The Reader), is forced to forget her dreams of being an actress, relegated to the role of doting house wife. Both Frank and April have dreams of a different life, but then they have kids, and kids require money, money requires a job, job requires stability, stability leads to unhappiness. As both struggle to accept the life forced upon them, a downward spiral of infidelity, anger, and eventually complete separation destroys any vestige of hope remaining amongst the dreamers.

Adapted from Richard Yates' novel of the same name, Revolutionary Road unfolds much like a theater production; throughout the movie, I constantly found myself thinking what an amazing play the film would make. The positioning, the arguments, the character interaction all occurs in a manner akin to the theater. It is from these numerous arguments, and trust me they are numerous, that the sheer talent possessed by DiCaprio and Winslet is on display. Both absorb their character's traits, dreams, desires, thoughts, portraying them in such a way that you can neither hate nor side on the argument of one character over the other. Herein lies the beauty of this film, neither character is right or wrong; both are just so unhappy living a life they feel they have to, that neither is willing nor brave enough to make the changes that would solve all of their problems. I find it tragic that DiCaprio was not recognized for his performance; though he would likely not have won, his role as Frank Wheeler is a powerful and tragic one that leaves you in pain watching his dreams shatter. Winslet may have won for her performance in The Reader, but I believe the Golden Globes had it right when she won best actress for her role in Revolutionary Road. Truly one of the most talented actresses of our generation, Winslet deserved to win for this performance over any other in 2008.

While most of the movie does center around the Wheeler couple, one other character provides a very necessary and tremendous role in the lives of the couple. As John Givings, Michael Shannon (Jonah Hex, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead) serves as the voice of truth, the one not afraid to state the obvious even if no one else is willing to recognize it. John has a doctorate in economics but is more known for his time spent at a mental institution receiving shock treatment. Blunt to the point of being crude, John recognizes the fake veil of happiness for what it truly is - a lie. Constantly pushing those around him to stop pretending and just live, Shannon is every bit deserving of his nomination for best supporting actor as his character ironically seems the most sane character in the entire film.

What makes Revolutionary Road great is also what makes it a difficult film to watch. The performances are amazing, powerful, and emotionally charged, but this film is not for the faint of heart. This is a couple that is CONSTANTLY at war with each other, and if they are at ease, you can almost bet that another argument is about to begin. This constant state of unhappiness and fighting can be very draining; by no means is it not great acting, it just requires a lot of investment in the characters from the viewer.

Mendes continues his assault on the notion that the modern suburban family is the model of happiness. While the film truly is great, featuring some amazing performances by some of the best actors and actresses, you will definitely be left with a bitter taste at the film's conclusion. There are no happy endings here, instead you are left wondering if you are simply damned to follow the path of the Wheelers, or do you follow your own path towards happiness? I hope you will all watch this film and consider the plight of the Wheeler family.

Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
John Givings: "You want to play house you got to have a job. You want to play nice house, very sweet house, you got to have a job you don't like."

Oscar Nominations:

Best Achievement in Art Direction
Best Achievement in Costume Design
Best Supporting Actor-Michael Shannon