Film and TV

Revolutionary Road (15)

By Kim Francis
January 29, 2009

Revolutionary Road marks the much-anticipated first professional project between Kate Winslet and her director husband Sam Mendes.

Since bursting on to the scene with his highly acclaimed debut feature American Beauty 10 years ago, Sam Mendes has built himself a solid reputation.

His latest film, which touches on similar issues, cements this.

Already the recipient of a Golden Globe (Kate Winslet as Best Actress) but largely overlooked in this year’s Oscar nominations, Revolutionary Road looks at the lives of a young couple, Frank (Kate’s Titanic co-star Leonardo DiCaprio) and April Wheeler (Winslet), who are forced to re-examine their lives when they find themselves becoming precisely what they had once tried to resist.

In the belief that they are destined for greater things and are somehow more special than those around them, they plan on a move to Paris to escape suburban drudgery but when events conspire against them to put the brakes on April’s longed-for move, their world begins to fall apart.

Revolutionary Road is a deeply affecting meditation on a relationship and the nature of marriage.

See more film trailers on getreading.co.uk

In painting this grim portrait of the Wheelers’ world, Mendes shines a spotlight on the expectations of life formulated when we are young and what can happen when those hopes are not realised.

As many of us grow up, we come to realise that dreams are often simply that; dreams, or unattainable ideals. When, as in April’s case, we fail to acknowledge this, philosophising and rationalising these ideals to discover the true nature of happiness, huge problems can occur.

Frank’s gradual realisation that happiness comes from within results in a ‘resignation’ to real life as he tempers his youthful enthusiasm for adventure, acknowledging his responsibilities and discovering a more mature, traditional and realistic route to happiness.

This ultimately seals April’s fate as she feels increasingly constrained by their situation and her pining for an unreachable idealised version of life. But the deep-seated dissatisfaction from which she is trying to escape has tragic consequences.

Mendes’ adaptation of the novel is profoundly touching and all too heartbreakingly real. The familiar arguments universalise this couple and it is easy to identify and sympathise with them.

Although it has been Kate that has walked away with the honours so far, it is arguably DiCaprio who exhibits the most depth, provokes the most sympathy and who displays the more complex and interesting character traits and it is a travesty that he hasn’t been nominated for an Academy Award for his tour-de-force performance.

Despite its 1950s’ setting, the subject matter is just as relevant today and we can all thank Sam Mendes for bringing the seminal, thought-provoking themes of the novel to a wider audience and a new generation.

Read Kim Francis's blog - Film buzz here

| Submit Comments | View Comments (1)

« Previous Story | Next Story »

Most recent user comments 1 of 1

Show 15 | 25 | 50 per page

Probably the worst film of the entire year - and it's only February.

Like a two hour episode of Eastenders shouting but with better accents.

The only bright spot in the acting was the guy who was from an institution and his mother. And as for the kids they were supposed to have - where were they for 99% of the film ?

Personally I couldn't wait for it to end. Don't waste your money, go see something entertaining instead, this is a real self indulgent turkey of a film.