Revolutionary Road

Viewer Rating:johnfitzgerald0 has rated Revolutionary Road rating: 4 Star

A riveting examination of late 50's america through the eyes of a couple who question the whole psychological conformity of their lives ,though comfortable, deadening in its sameness through job and neighbourhood. The screaming matches and the promise of a flight to bohemia in Paris which would allow them to realise themselves ? Sam Mendes directs allowing DiCaprio and Winslet to interact very effectively as a married couple who begin to question the mundaneity and "who makes these rules". Having read the book, I have to say that the psychology behind their wish to break free is better explained in the book but the film is still very good and the performances excellent, particularly Winslet who really portrays the elements of being trapped and wanting to fulfill herself. DiCaprio as Frank Wheeler is at first gung ho but then the family and job implications and the whole security of his position blows his mind. Ultimately April Wheeler is the person who pays the price for daring to break out of the conformity and believing in her partner. Michael Shannon as the inmate from the asylum visiting is very effective and he encapsulates their real thinking and makes them realise what their lives really are, he seems to be terrifically in touch with reality with his outspokenness. This is a thoughtful rendering of the book and full marks to Sam Mendes who revels in this type of scenario, it did have echoes of American Beauty though. It kept the tension going and you could identify with so much of the couples tackling of how life was just ebbing away. Been there and experienced the angst. Loved the book and the film is wonderfully effective.

Review published on the 02 February 2009 10:34