Sailing Down to Revolutionary Road

Rating: 7/10 (22 April 2009)

Sam Mendes make an adaptation on Richard Yates novel into a movie, and pairs the couple who melted the hearts of millions with the 1997 blockbuster, Titanic. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet had a reunion in Revolutionary Road, which finally, Jack and Rose has become husband and wife, under the name of Frank and April Wheeler.
Set in the suburban of Connecticut during the 1950's, Revolutionary Road is an exploration on a couple seeking a better life, which is to fulfill their dreams by migrating to Paris. One can easily compared Revolutionary Road with Mendes first big screen work, American Beauty (1999.) Frank and April settles in Connecticut, with a big house, 2 lovely kids, a job that has no problem putting bread on the table. However, Frank do not like his job, while April is drowning herself in sadness when she is unsuccessful in becoming an actress. Things take a drastic change when both decided to migrate to Paris, with 2 issues hindering their plans: Frank getting a promotion and April getting pregnant. What falls ahead of them are countless challenges on their relationship of an unhappy matrimony.
One will never be disappointed with any movies from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, since both has never delivered disappointing performances. With their outstanding performance in Titanic, Revolutionary Road will never disappoint anyone who is expecting more from the couple.
Sam Mendes discussed the issue of an American dream turned sour in American Beauty, where he introduces a failed husband seeking a breakthrough for himself, a wife who wants to break free from a loveless marriage, a daughter with growing up issues, infidelity, erotic dreams and drugs. Things take a turn in Revolutionary Road, where similar issues were discussed.
Together with the scores composed by Thomas Newman, one could see the shadow of American Beauty in Revolutionary Road. The husband having a quarrel on the dinner table, the wife who wants to fulfill her dreams at the expense of her husband to a neighbor who is a former mental hospital patient, we could easily see the linkage between American Beauty and Revoultionary Road.
While American Beauty begins with an brief introduction of The Burnham's family and their neighborhood, Revolutionary Road begins with how Frank and April knowing each other in a party. The next scene begins with Frank and April, now a married couple, facing the problems they had in their marriage. Mendes is taking a twist in terms of presentation for both movies discussing similar issues.
Just like the environment in Revolutionary Road, it was peaceful and calm, where one would slow down their paces and enjoying what is around them. Mendes handles the nature of the story and present it in a way where one will not feel much harsh elements in Revolutionary Road, compared to the straight-to-your-face reality featured in American Beauty. This can be told by the unexpected ending for the movie.
Sailing down to Revolutionary Road is not as disastrous compared to taking the maiden voyage in Titanic. While one will wrench in Titanic, they will appreciate the beauty of Revolutionary Road, which will not be easily forgotten.