Movie Review: Revolutionary Road
“Revolutionary Road” is a near perfect movie showcasing superb performances by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank and April Wheeler, a young couple whose marriage falls into the trap of expectation. It is fascinating to watch the confinement of women’s choices in the 50′s throughout this film and what was expected of women in that time period. The Wheeler’s strive for more in life and are desperate for a change. The story follows their struggle to connect again with their lives and with each other.
Set in the 1950′s the movie is adapted from the novel and armed with a brilliant screenplay. Sam Mendes, director of “American Beauty”, produces a riveting film that deserves accolades for acting, direction, screenplay, cinematography, costume and art direction.
Winslet and DiCaprio both deserved Oscar nominations for their roles in this film. The excellent supporting performances by Michael Shannon and Kathy Bates resulted in a Supporting Actor nomination for Michael Shannon for the film. Why this film didn’t win more Oscar nominations is a wonder to me. Fortunately Winslet won best actress for “The Reader” in any case, and it should be stated this brilliant actress produced two Oscar worthy performances in one year.
“Revolutionary Road” is challenging and not an easy film to watch. This Sam Mendes’ film is an instant classic that should be on your “must see” list.
2009. Directed by Sam Mendes. Starring Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio,
Michael Shannon, Kathy Bates and Richard Easton.
Rating: 
