It has been nearly eleven years since Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet shared the screen in what is still the biggest box office hit of all time. However, now that both actors have solidified their place amongst Hollywood's most elite and well-respected, both have decided to venture away from the appealing, diving into the real, unfortunate circumstances that come with love, marriage and children.
In Revolutionary Road, which is directed by Kate Winslet's husband Sam Mendes, DiCaprio and Winslet play Frank and April Wheeler, a young couple attempting to find a meaning to life in the crowded era of conformity. However, when their once peaceful lives are interrupted by a series of lies and self-doubts, the seemingly happy couple begins to show misalignment. As a result to their actions and words, a series of consequences begin to show themselves; a series of consequences that will wreck havoc on their future and the lives of those around them.
While the film features a strong, emotionally charged story, one that is easily seen as its centered root for growth, the acting by all involved is what makes the film so memorable. From Winslet's piercing attitude to DiCaprio's sinister look and approach, Revolutionary Road is a film that could not have been portrayed by any two other actors.
The way the two move with one another, instinctively knowing what the other is and will do in the coming moments helps to give the film a much need realism factor. You believe their troubled marriage and immediately feel the awkward tension that is growing between the once happy couple. Through their core emotions you understand their frustration, their heartache and their growing anxiety for one another. They are a couple, a couple who has problems, and for that simple reason, audience members are able to understand and fully absorb themselves into the characters and story that is being shown.
Additionally, the film is captured in an elegant, historic way that helps to grasps the time period and mood in which is being portrayed. The colors are fascinating as they show a degree of 'porcelain,' in turn representing the false happiness that is being resonated through the house. The clues are subtle, at times unnoticeable all together, making the viewing an exciting tale of deceit and self-destruction.
The film isn't nearly flawless; however, the acting allows you to oversee its periodic flaws. The fifteen minutes dry spell, the over-done performance by Kathy Bates and the slowly paced opening minutes all become a distant memory as the story comes to a haunting close. The actions are realistic, the characters are relatable and the story seems to be one ripped off of an Oprah special; three characteristic, all of which come together to form a wondrous, grown-up 'sequel' to Leo and Kate's embarking adventure almost eleven years ago.
