“Revolutionary Road”, a film review by Jo Anne fogarty

Jo Anne — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:10:02 +0000

Based on a novel by Richard Yates and set in the 1950’s, the story suggests that within post WWII American society there was a segment of people determined to pursue a somewhat narcisistic lifestyle in order to follow their dreams at the expense of their growing families and future security.Frank Wheeler (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April Wheeler (Kate Winslet) are such a couple when they meet and marry. As time passes they settle in a very charming and expensive neighborhood. Frank hates his job but is successful. April is a stay at home mom who suffers from the loss of her dreams and is almost schizophrenic in her actions – one moment hostile and angry and the next moment sweet and submissive, nevertheless, her performance is top drawer.

Frank loves her and is wiling to go along with a wild scheme she has concocted that will reopen their youthful dreams. The plan is thwarted when Frank’s business life suddenly blooms,

Bottom line – feeling sympathy for April is asking a lot, especially in light of Frank’s recognizing his responsibility to make a safe and nurturing home for her and their children. It is much easier to see her as a tragic, lost figure, out of step with the life she has bought in to. Yet that is not the view Mendes (Winslet’s husband off-screen) has espoused in interviews.

Screenplay by Justin Haythe
Based on the Novel by Richard Yates
Produced by John N. Hart, Scott Rudin, Sam Mendes, Bobby Cohen
Directed by Sam Mendes

Cast:
Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn,
David Harbour, Kathy Bates

TraVerus Travel Time » Kathy Bates

“Revolutionary Road”, a film review by Jo Anne fogarty