MOVIE REVIEW : Revolutionary Road

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

Directed by Sam Mendes
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet


PLOT

A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children.

WHAT I THOUGHT

Whoa. Now that was a powerful film. From the director of American Beauty, this film reteams Leonardo DiCaprio with Kate Winslet together again after Titanic... don't go into it expecting that film though... it's really, really different.

That's not to say it was a bad film. It wasn't. It was fantastic. But it is very heavy to watch. It's hard to view at some points, and other points I was on the edge of my seat... not knowing what was to come next.

The interesting thing about this film is that nothing really happens that much throughout. There is of course plot development, but the film is based much more on the characters... and simply lets you watch the rise and fall of a typical marriage in the 50's.

I wasn't expecting the film to be quite so shocking, so if you choose to view the film... go into it prepared... I don't feel I was prepared enough! Myself and my housemate were both squirming at many points... whether its one of the many arguments, the awkward dinner scenes or the ending.

Everyone is raving about Kate Winslet's performance in this film. It's true. She is fantastic. However, the thing that annoys me is that I don't see Leonardo DiCaprio getting any recognition compared to her. It is my personal opinion that he was even stronger in the film than her. He covers such a wide range of emotions, its simply amazing. I never knew how he would react to a situation next.

I'd also like to note some of the supporting performances too. Especially Michael Shannon as a mental patient, he is truly quite terrifying... but in a very subtle way.

So, in conclusion, definately a film worth seeing. No doubt it truly is fantastic. I just can't stress enough how difficult it is to watch... and you should really go in prepared to feel all kind of emotions, and be very shocked as well.

BEST MOMENT

An argument between the two leads near the climax of the film. An acting tour-de-force.

MY RATING

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