A reluctant Stepford wife

Rating: 7/10 (2 January 2009)

There is something missing in Sam Mendes' adaptation of the Yates' novel, "Revolutionary Road." I fault specifically the screenplay which is heavy on explanatory dialog. The characters are trying to explain to one another what's wrong, while the audience is way ahead. We see the problem, and then a secondary character comes in later and spells it out even more clearly..
The over enunciation of every word by both the leads is also peculiar. This sounds like a stage play that the two actors have over-rehearsed. And we're given all the "high points" of their arguments with little understanding of why they are drawn to one another or why one or the other just doesn't leave.
If we're supposed to condemn the "system" that has put them on Revolutionary Road, that has been left out. Their personal problems seem much deeper than whatever rat race a capitalistic society has trapped them in. I felt like any place they were headed, they'd be just as unhappy. Their lack of fulfillment doesn't much matter since we don't see that there's much potential anywhere. Particularly in Mr. DiCaprio's character who is a liar, hates and uses just about everyone around him, and then bullies his wife into being whatever he'd like. It's a particularly unpleasant performance by a usually gifted and affecting actor.
Ms. Winslet comes off somewhat more sympathetic, but the constant baiting of her husband in most of the fighting grows tiresome. My favorite moment (and it's a nicely held one by the director) occurs at a roadhouse when Ms. Winslet cuts lose on the dance floor and becomes reckless and seductive. It's a terrific moment for the actress and for the audience.
I won't go into the plot since it would spoil what little there is, but the subject matter hinges on a lighting rod in today's political climate, and it's treated without much sensitivity.
Even the composer, Thomas Newman, who did so much for Mr. Mendes in "American Beauty" and "Road to Perdition" (two of my favorite films) seems repetitious and glib. Kathy Bates, however, really perks things up in her scenes showing even playing a one dimensional character can still be both artful and entertaining.