Well you've been waiting for it for damn near 10 years. The chance to see Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio star in another film where there love would be free to reign without the pesky former problems of gigantic cruise liners sinking. At first glance Revolutionary Road could be seen as a romantic get together for these 2 handsome actors, but when you get down to the story at hand, you can see the depressing under-belly. April Wheeler (Kate Winslet) and Frank Wheeler (Leonardo DiCaprio) are a young married couple living in the suburbs in the 1950's. Before marrying and retiring to the green grass picket fenced hell that awaits them in their early 30s, they were filled with life and ambition. Talking about living in Paris where people are "alive" and things really matter. Winslet and DiCaprio's performances are truly remarkable. It's easy to act like you're head over heels in love, but silently loathing a person that you took an oath to love, honor and obey is so much harder. Winslet's steely glances made my testicles shrivel into tiny bits of nothingness. DiCaprio's Frank Wheeler is a trapped, best intentioned coward who you ultimately feel sorry for. In the middle of the film, the couple honestly try to make a better situation for themselves which gives you hope. But is just as promptly taken away. With the two leads playing their parts with such emotional ferocity, they are put to shame with the scene stealing character John Givings (Michael Shannon) who is the mathematician insane asylum patient son of their realtor frienemy (Kathy Bates). Givings himself is the catalyst for the stirring finale between man and wife. I must admit I was apprehensive when I heard about Shannon's Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actor, thinking that the little known actor from films such as 8 Mile, Bad Boys 2, and Pearl Harbor, was nothing more than a pity nod. His amazing 10 minutes on screen was proof enough for me to not judge a book by it's cover and just keep my mouth shut until I view the goods. Sam Mendes as always makes the drab surroundings seem hauntingly beautiful. Although there's one moment in the film that's slightly reminiscent of Road to Perdition where Winslet is in her house standing in the living room staring out of the front window, you half expect Jude Law to suddenly shoot her in the back and watch her body struggle to stand up. In closing, Revolutionary Road is a look into the dark side of marriage, family, and commitment. The entire cast was wonderful and I wish DiCaprio was at least nominated for his role, but it seems the academy loves to make him the bride's maid, but never the bride. I'd also like to add a special kudos to Sam Mendes for helming a beautiful film that includes him directing scenes in which his real life wife (Winslet) has sex with Leonardo DiCaprio on the kitchen counter. You're a better man than I am sir.
