An emotional and dramatic insight into the 'American dream'

Rating: 9/10 (24 January 2009)

When I read the book last summer, I was mesmerized by Richard Yate's unsentimental, realistic portrayal of suburban life in the 1950s. He presented a young couple whose dreams of happiness and excitement are grounded by reality and responsibility. What is so unique about this story is the fact that the feelings that the couple (Frank and April Wheeler) experience could apply to anyone, no matter where or when you live. Unlike many stories set during this time period, Revolutionary Road is still relevant today.
All this is perfectly captured in Sam Mendes' startling adaptation. Like in American Beauty, he does a magnificent job of bringing out the emotions of the characters and conveying the hopelessness of their situation. The characters are all flawed in various ways, but Mendes effectively turns these flawed people into three-dimensional, realistic humans that we ultimately come to care about - at least that's how I felt. We can identify with their hopes, fears and desires and we understand what feelings motivate them to take make sometimes drastic, even immature, choices. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, as the two leading characters, seem to effortlessly take on the mannerisms and personalities of their respective roles. Before the first ten minutes are over, we completely forget about their idealized romance in Titanic and they BECOME Frank and April Wheeler, a tragic couple torn apart by their clashing hopes and dreams and their inability to fully understand each other the way they had when they were younger and full of life and optimism. Both of them bring just the right intensity and emotion to their scenes, and we forgive them for their mistakes and flaws because they are quite simply human. Although the entire supporting cast is good, the main standout is Michael Shannon as John Givings, the son of a 'friend' of the Wheelers who is currently residing in a mental institute. He brings the perfect blend of brashness, confidence and magnetism to his character and it's satisfying to see that his work is being recognized. He manages to convince us, simultaneously, that he is as insane as they say yet, perhaps, that he is saner than any of the other characters. Providing the heavily dramatic and uber-serious movie with an occasional comedic moment, Shannon proves here that he has the acting chops to match the daunting, impressive presences and talents of DiCaprio and Winslet.
In addition to a top-notch cast, Revolutionary Road boasts a subtly beautiful score, dazzling cinematography and fine costumes that truly represent, not only the time period, but the entire tone and message of the movie. Also, while making a few detours, the script stays faithful to the novel it is based on and does an excellent job of translating the book's feel, even though much of the emotion and drama in the novel comes more from the narration, what the characters are NOT saying, as opposed to the dialogue itself.
All in all, while it might not be for those seeking an uplifting escape from reality, Revolutionary Road is a poignant, deeply thought-provoking look at life in the suburbs, a failing relationship and the complex labyrinth of the human mind.