1.15.2009

# Movies # Reviews

Revolutionary Road- A Review


Last night I went to see Revolutionary Road, the film directed by Sam Mendes and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. I must admit, I was terribly excited to see this film. Not only do I love both leading actors but this is the first time they have reunited on screen since Titanic, over a decade ago. Also, Winslet just won the Golden Globe for best actress for her portrayal of April Wheeler, a truly desperate housewife on the edge.

The film chronicles the marriage of Frank and April Wheeler, a young suburban couple living in Connecticut in the 1950's. Frank works in a cubicle at a steady office job, and April is an aspiring actress and a stay at home mom who watches over their two children. Their relationship is clearly disturbed, however, and they decide they want more from life than the typical suburban cliche that they are living. So they create a grand scheme to quit their jobs and life in Connecticut and move to Paris. The film follows this couple through their fights, infidelities, romances, scheming and more.

The film, for me, had its high and low points. Both performances by DiCaprio and Winslet were staggeringly good. There were also some stellar supporting characters that were thoroughly interesting. Unfortunately that was where my praise ends. The constant arguments by Frank and April were draining and left me feeling without compassion for their situation. Perhaps the film was too realistic for me- I think I wanted something more. I have heard that the original book by Richard Yates is a masterpiece, so I think rather than revisit the film in the future, I shall read the book.

I don't recommend giving the film a miss all together, however, as Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio have exhilarating chemistry. They truly are first class movie stars of the old school variety and even through the frustrating plot, the duo shines like a gem.

If you have seen the film, I would love to hear what you thought of it...

Image courtesy of: www.dailystab.com

12 comments:

Divina said...

Haven't seen this one yet, but I've been wanting to! Reading your review reminded me I really have to see it (I love Kate Winslet). You just gave me a good idea on what to do Sunday night ;)

Now is the chance, before the schedulle gets completely crazy again. (can you believe I had another exam this week, right after the winter break?...argh!)

kisses hon

benson said...

I read the book last summer in anticipation of the film being released. It's not an easy read...disturbing and a real downer for a rose-colored glasses girl like me. As much as it bothered me, it is a book that pierces your soul and stays with you.

vicki archer said...

I can't wait to to see it - it hasn't started in Europe yet (we are a bit slow with movies here) but very soon. Hope the writing is chewing up the pages, xv.

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Hi Divina- If you love Kate and Leo (especially together!) you should see this film... I think the reason I was so upset they kept fighting because I just want those two to live happily ever after lol!

Good luck with your exams- just imagine one day you'll never have to take another exam again! :)

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Hi Benson- Thanks for your comment. Yes, disturbing and a downer- two words that really describe the film well! I would recommend you see the film, if you've read the book- it's always fun to do comparisons...

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Thanks Vicki- the writing is actually going really well- I'm having fun and that is the main point (isn't it?)

I hope the movie is moving for you...

Btw- I have "My French Life" on my wish list to come in my next shipment from amazon- can't wait to read it!

Unknown said...

I have this on my to watch list but will probably wait to watch it on dvd. I did watch Slumdog Millionaire this weekend; very good.

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Hi Jena- I can't wait to see Slumdog Millionaire- it is number one on my list!

Rose said...

Like Vicki I can't see this yet as it's not released in Europe. They trailer looks wonderful, gorgeous drained colour in the cinemtography and lovely music- a little like the American beauty and Road to Perdition soundtracks I thought (also Sam Mendes films).

It looks heavy going and I hear the book is a masterpiece. I would quite like to read it first but not sure if there is time.

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Hi Rose- if you have time, I would recommend reading the book first as I hear from so many people that they wish they had...

Dining on Deals said...

How fascinating to read your review. I wish I knew you had seen this days ago when I went to see it alone - I so wanted to discuss it with someone!! I loved the movie and thought it was absolutely riveting. The performances are astounding, of course, but the story was what really blew me away. It just brought up so many questions like: When are you settling? What is true love? What does it mean to be an adult? We'll have to get together and discuss!

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Juliana- yes we MUST discuss... I also just saw Slumdog Millionaire which I LOVED... we must discuss that too... Of course I wont comment on my bizarre desire to see bride wars :)