Movie Review: Revolutionary Road

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
Main Players: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Michael Shannon, et al.
Calling the shots: Sam Mendes
Running time: 119mins
What's it about? A young couple living in the suburbs ‘seemingly’ living the “All-American dream”, struggle to come to terms with their personal issues and aspirations as they try to raise their family. What follows is a tragic sequence of realizations and events that change their lives forever.

What did I think? You come out of this movie feeling really numb. Not because it’s particularly boring, or bad, or enjoyable. But because it’s a movie that really doesn’t go any where and has a very depressing ending. You come out wondering, “What the fuck…”

It’s certainly a movie that relies heavily on the performances and direction.

You really have to appreciate the performances. Leo is at his dramatic best, literally wearing his emotions on his sleeves, swinging from happy to angry but also still able to be charming. Kate is also at her best, having the more difficult role of the two. She also brings the emotions out, almost underplaying it, keeping you wondering how she is really feeling. Michael Shannon is the surprise performer here, stealing all his scenes playing the ex- mental patient who shatters their world (he is also quite good in “Bug”. Check it out).

The directing is wonderful as well. The flawless execution transport you right back into the States in 50’s (not that I know what that was like). The music is somber yet appropriate for what is going. Mendes uses some lingering shots to emphasis points well and leaves you with some lasting imagines.

The problem with the movie, and a big one at that, is that other than the two leads trading blows in the form of verbal fights they continue to have, the movie does nothing. You literally see them fall in love, fight, make-up, fight, make-up, fight and so on. Then you see the dissatisfaction in their lives and actions they take because of it…it’s just not a fun movie.

I take back what I said; this movie is rather uneventful and is quite boring. Other than appreciate the masters in their craft at their best, it’s a movie you can forget. Some said it’s what would have happened if the two had survived the “Titanic”. If that’s the case, then I’m glad it sank because they would have had depressing lives.

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