Revolutionary Road

Last February as the oscars ended bloggers everywhere began the next oscar race by listing the most buzz worthy movies with Revolutionary Road by Sam Mendes (American Beauty) being at the top of everyones list. It was a formula made in heaven Academy Award winning director directing a screenplay based on an acclaimed book, the story is of american dysfunction (an academy favorite as far as stories go) with Kate Winslet (multiple oscar nominee) and Leonardo DiCaprio (also a multi-oscar nominee) who both brought their last joint effort Titanic to win 11 academy awards. How could this not be the picture to beat? Well it turns out it isn't. That is not to say it isn't a good movie because it most certainly is. The production is strong and the leads are wonderful. Winslet acts far and above anything I've seen her put forward yet and Leo keeps up pretty well as a couple trapped in a 1950s American suburban life neither of them wanted. Their entrapment leads to some of the most devastating onscreen arguments I can recall outside of the coldness of Mary Tyler Moore in Ordinary People. Their accusations sting and the truths behind them destroy each other. These moments are the bulk of the film. The other best part is the character played by Michael Shannon in a wonderfully nuanced role that reminded me of Ledger's Joker earlier this year. Shannon's character John has just been released from a mental hospital and is the son of the Wheeler's real estate agent, April and Frank Wheeler are Kate and Leo. John has the impeccable way of spewing direct truth to the couple in the most abrasive and jarring way and never bowing to ask forgiveness. The lulls in the movie come from the times the couple are parted and we are given obligatory exposition of Frank's tiresome job and April's saddness as a kept wife alone in the house all day. The scenes are essential but are without the same heart if thats what you can call it. Ultimately the film is a beautifully wrenching and horrifying way to look at a life where truth doesn't set you free it destroys you and where those who live in lies live comfortably. It is dark, unsettling, and for me it offered little redeeming value outside of a harsh reality check. Personally I prefer Kate and Leo to have their final words drifting in freezing water after a torridly passionate love affair, I don't know about you.