More feasible than American Beauty...

Rating: 9/10 (10 March 2010)

As I settled into this movie, I began to sense a feeling of familiarity (I caught it a few minutes into it) with the subject matter, then I realized the setting and time-frame were not present day, they were, in fact, back in the 1950s. At first it seemed like an ordinary run-of-the-mill period piece, but as I allowed myself to be absorbed by the movie's theme and subject matter, I realized that it was quite an interesting story after all. In fact, it was, at times, disturbingly realistic, as I can speak from personal experience, having grown up within that same time period, when life was 'supposed' to be simpler. When I came to realize it was from the same Director as the film "American Beauty", I knew why it held my attention so, because this man can really tell an interesting story and is quite impressive as a creative artist. I won't say it was an entertaining experience, as the subject matter is not your typical feel-good fare, but it is a very compelling movie that I intend on watching from the beginning, and then over again, because it was so interesting. It is also much more plausible in terms of realism than its predecessor, American Beauty. Great job Mssrs. Mendes, DiCaprio, Shannon and Mss. Winslet, Bates et al!