The Triangle

Issue date: 1/9/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Francois Duhamel

"Revolutionary Road" is a film that plays off the emotions of anyone with fears of falling into mediocrity during adulthood. Based on Richard Yates' 1961 novel, "Revolutionary Road" begins with the introduction of Frank and April Wheeler, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, as two young people with starry eyes for the future.

As the film progresses, it becomes apparent that despite the young couples dreams of true love and happiness, the Wheelers have slipped into their own nightmare.

April has turned herself into a mindless, mother of two, suburban housewife, while Frank has lost his desire for love and life in his effort to make ends meet. Upon the couple's realization of this, a drastic plan is conceived in the semblance of teenage fantasy-the Wheeler's will move to Paris where April will work, the children will grow up, and Frank will find his purpose in the world.

The performances given by DiCaprio and Winslet are nothing short of brilliant, which is nothing shocking given the duo's history in cinema. While still retaining the same chemistry the two shared in the beloved film "Titanic," the two manage to delve deeper into their emotions for their roles in "Revolutionary Road." The intensity of their performance in the film make it much more gratifying as an audience member to see the two veterans at each other's throats, as opposed to in each other's arms.

Though there was electricity between DiCaprio and Winslet, this did not stop Winslet's husband, "Revolutionary Road's" director Sam Mendes, from delivering a stylish film. Mendes, who is most well known for his Oscar-winning film "American Beauty," seems like the perfect director to visually compliment Yates' story. Mendes' ability to capture the subtle details in an ordinary setting seem to make his scenes transcend reality, which is very similar to the way in which the Wheelers want to see the world. It sounds like a perfect pairing, and Mendes' ability to hone in on all that is beautiful did add to the film, but "Revolutionary Road" does not peak as high visually as "American Beauty" did.

What Mendes does more in this film is show the early 1960's in such a manner that The Cleavers would consider moving in next door to Frank and April Wheeler. The close and careful attention to detail in every scene makes the film all the more drawing.

The performance of Justin Haythe's screenplay creates "Revolutionary Road" into a fantastic film. All of the actors involved hit every emotional undertone and overtone of their characters with such precision and intensity that boring suburban life begins to explode on the screen. Aside from the two stars, there are a handful of solid supporting performances. Kathryn Hahn gives the audience a radiant show as the delusional housewife, Milly, who lives next door to the Wheeler's. Her character serves as the antithesis of Winslet's April, and Hahn nails the role with an insanity that is comparable only to her performance in the comedy "Step Brothers."

In addition to Hahn, Kathy Bates, David Harbour, and Michael Shannon performed noteworthy jobs. All of the characters seemed to exist in "Revolutionary Road" to showcase different aspects of the Wheeler's life and Mendes was fortunate enough to direct a cast with the acting chops to drive the story.

"Revolutionary Road" is now playing in theaters nationwide.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools