2008, English, Netflix, 7.3/10 IMBD, Directed by Sam Mendes
An edgy intricate drama, detailing the conflicts of an unhappy marriage of a couple that inflict heartache in them both. Apart from being emotionally draining, it urges to look within.
Adapted from a 1961 novel by Richard Yates, this period film set in the 1950’s. It is about ‘The Wheelers’, Frank and April (Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet). Their ups and downs in the suburban Connecticut at No.115, Revolutionary Road is the story.
The milieu of suburban societal pressures of the 50’s is evident in the couple’s aspiration to be different among the ordinary. Frank sulks of his mundane job. An unsuccessful actress, April wants to beat the boredom in their life. She suggests they move to Paris, where she can work and Frank can find his passion. It doesn’t interest him at first but April’s conviction to the idea, convinces him. Their plan topples as April gets pregnant and Frank is offered a promotion. It results in flaring up their mutual disrespect and ends in a complete disaster.
The shockingly neurotic arguments seems a magnified version of a normal relationship tiff of any household. But somewhere it relate the petty ones that each one of us had faced day in and day out. The actors brings to play such skillful acting, that it gives a peek into the character’s state of mind. Hurtling insults, furious words and overlapping dialogues, leaves the audience dumbstruck to witness the frustration in them, surface as sadism.
The mysterious calm after a storm of emotions, is pretty haunting and a turn of events seems inevitable. Erring expression on Leonardo’s face, is spot on in exhibiting his guilt. He is puzzled to be spoilt for choices at breakfast and he leaves to work all confused. One could hardly stomach what transpires after Frank leaves home.
The mental agony of the western household women of the 50’s, is no different from the plight of the women in the 20th century India. The attention deprived women’s arrogant blunder and its consequences are the highlights of the film’s end. Frank is left alone to watch his children play, as the credits scroll. The film’s core plot is set right, by the strong message the last frame conveys.
A good watch.