The trailer for Revolutionary Road reflected this as a deeply philosophical film which raised questions about relationships, the idea of marriage itself and happiness.
Adapted from Richard Yate's 1961 novel, the film is predictable, irritatingly long and the acting is excessive . So, failed actress April and her corporate copywriter husband Frank have a home in Connecticut.
Sam Mendes is obsessed with reminding the audience it is the ninety fifties via the costume, random throw In's of societal pressure and the constant cigarette smoking.
Frank has an affair as does April, there is a random plan to ditch their dull life and move to Paris to truly start living, but it falls through. Their children are hardly ever seen in the film which is understandable as this is a film about marriage but their absence is sloppy and there are gaps in the plot. Who looks after them when they are out with neighbors? The film leaves time for the audience to wonder these minor issues.
These characters are not believable, a lazy performance by Kate Winslet and Dicaprio desperately tries to shine here but fails terribly. The only fine thing in the film is Kathy Bates whom plays Helen Givings and her mentally ill son, John Givings, played by Michael Shannon. They are a breath of fresh air to this claustrophobic, empty and ridiculous film.
My favorite sequence is John Givings arrival, his air time is very short but he is mesmerising, storming out with controversial lines about marriage, philosophy and life. Kathy Bates is also excellent, portraying a frustrated mother trying to make things normal.
There isn't much else to say about this film - I left feeling undoubtedly cheated. It is suprising that this is the same director that gave us the insightful and subtle, American Beauty.
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