An Acting Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (31 December 2008)

I have waited for weeks for this film to open in Hollywood, here in Los Angeles, and finally today I saw the film. Dicaprio and Winslet take REVOLUTIONARY ROAD and from the first scenes I think I am back with WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? with Martha and George bickering and arguing with biting dialog. Then REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, because of its time frame, reminds me of the fabulous MADMEN, with that intensity and drama of its leading characters, until I look into the eyes of April, Winslet, and realize that REVOLUTIONARY ROAD is a story and journey of two characters with their own enemies to face. Every frame of the film and the scenes between Kate and Leo remind me of what that it must have been like in the 1950's, attempting to live that perfect American life, but in the end, you realize that the "Donna Reed perfect wife and mother" American character, is a falsehood, and that April is only hoping to find something better. The supporting cast of Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn and David Harbour is superb with characters that only add to the history which is building between the Wheelers.
Sam Mendes does give us hints of American BEAUTY, but in REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, he directs a story of brilliant drama and intensity. With the final scene, you can understand how April must have felt in a suburban world of perfection, and lies.