Revolutionary Road

The buzz behind "Revolutionary Road" has been slightly out of hand. Kate and Leo together again! Cue screaming. We get it, but really folks - this film is a far cry from the Titanic. Really far. The American dream in its most tragic state isn't romantic or adventurous in the slightest. No Jack Dawson standing on the bow of the ship. No icebergs (well, unless you count Kathy Bates - sorry Kathy but you haven't really kicked ass since "Fried Green Tomatoes"). And most definitely no James Cameron. This tale is downright heartbreaking - particularly since this story could happen...is happening...at any point in time...to anyone.

I've come to realize that perhaps the darkest stories about Americana can best be told through the eyes of someone from other shores. In this case Englishman Sam Mendes directs us through the dysfunction, love, and pure anguish of April and Frank Wheeler in 1950s suburbia. This isn't the first time he has pointed his microscope on American struggles. Remember "American Beauty", "Jarhead", and "The Road to Perdition"? A crumbling marriage, war, and gangsters. If that doesn't sum up the American experience, I don't know what does. I'm not being particularly cynical - these are just as much a part of our history and present day lives as all the good stuff. I suppose on many levels it's actually telling a story greater than America. This tale applies to us all - specifically to anyone who settles and doesn't strive to fulfill their dreams.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are flawless. This is not a term I throw about lightly so just for emphasis, it bears repeating - flawless. The emotional range they display is staggering. The fact that Winslet is married to Mendes makes it all the more interesting and impressive. I mean telling this achingly painful story of a crumbling relationship day after day for the pair of them must have been an intense journey. Another notable performance comes from Michael Shannon who plays a "clinically insane" guy who tells it like it is. Boy, does he. It's at times hilarious and at times shocking. He hits the nail on the head every single time and doesn't bat an eye in the process. Of course none of these talented actors would have much to say without the increible work of writer Justin Haythe who adapted the novel for the screen. The dialouge is often intensely powerful and then occasionally quiet and precise. To be quite blunt, it's remarkable. In fact, the overall craftmanship & creativity that went into this project is obvious from the outset. The cinemetography is lush an the score quietly reflective. Mendes and his team should be incredibly proud. It's not an uplifting feel good film by any means but if you're in the right mood - go see this movie. You won't be disappointed, there's little to criticize and much to praise.

http://www.revolutionaryroadmovie.com/