It Takes Real Guts to See the Hopelessness

Rating: 7/10 (23 June 2015)

We all know the pairing of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in Titanic proved to be one of the most beloved romances in all of cinema, but if you are expecting more of the same, I would advise against watching Revolutionary Road. But the reality is, the film is very well made, and very telling of how the suburban 50's life might have been back in the day. But much like some other Oscar bait movies, Revolutionary Road is a film you definitely have to be in the right mood to enjoy, and is likely a film you wont ever want to watch again.
The film begins with the two meeting in a clichéd bar setting, but we really didn't even need that. Their relationship and history with each other is easily bought into. The two have simply some of the best chemistry between love interests we have ever had in cinema, whether it be a pleasant scene, or an overly dramatic one. The film does a good job of making you feel for the couple and their struggle to continue their marriage and raise their kids while also going through difficulties with DiCaprio's job. Both characters flaws are represented and in a way that doesn't necessarily make either more likable than the other. I think it's a tribute to both of these brilliant actors that they can make each and every one of the dramatic scenes (there's a ton) feel real and natural. The film flows in a way that you know where the characters are probably heading, you just don't want to believe it just yet.
The film centers on Frank's (Dicaprio) inability to want to try something new and his fear of failing. Failure never ruins someone, it's being afraid to fail that leads to their downfall. I thought that was well represented throughout the film. It's worth mentioning Michael Shannon's brief but important role in the film, and the impact that his character has on the rest of the film. To me, he served as the speaker of the audience's thoughts and opinions on these shells of human beings, for the most part. There's nothing necessarily wrong with the film enough to be noticeable, but there is an overwhelming amount of darkness and sadness that is pulled from the film. Like I said, it's a very good film, but it's just extremely difficult to watch.
+Both actors chemistry
+Beautiful to look at
+Look inside the 50's
-Sooooo dark and depressing
7.6/10