“Revolutionary Road” tells the story of the perfect couple, in the perfect house with an imperfect marriage, based on Richard Yates’ novel of the same title.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet share the screen for the first time since “Titanic.” Ironically, audiences witness a titanic destruction of a marriage between Frank (DiCaprio) and April (Winslet). In the opening scene, the two first meet at a party where they connect right away. That’s where the sweetness ends for the majority of the film.
“Revolutionary Road” depicts life in suburban America during the 1950’s; husband goes to work and comes home to his housewife and kids. Frank and April never imagined they would settle down and “resign from life.”
DiCaprio and Winslet tear at each other throughout the movie. When the two decide to pick up and move their family to Paris, Frank and April seemed at their liveliest. But, when Frank is offered a promotion at his job he can’t stand, he decides against the move.
Then, the water boils over when April finds out she is pregnant and tells Frank she wants an abortion. From there, the two are at one another’s throat. Chairs are thrown, swears are exchanged and affairs are pursued between the couple.
American Beauty director Sam Mendes, who’s familiar with showing the masked problems that suburbia creates, captures the enormous tension between DiCaprio and Winslet. Both Frank and April feel as if they haven’t lived the life they dreamed of and that rips the two apart.
The chemistry between DiCaprio and Winselt is undeniable, as was proved in “Titanic.” But “Revolutionary Road” portrays the two in a totally different light. Instead of falling in love as the movie floats along, the two drift apart with their lives busting at the seams.
If you love drama, this movie is for you. But don’t expect to come away with a smile on your face.
OVERALL: B