Revolutionary Road

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are trapped in a world of conservative convention and they hope to defy constructed ideals and seek refuge in their love to each other. That’s the story in James Cameron’s Titanic. But this time, in this movie directed by Sam Mendes (Winslet’s husband), Revolutionary Road, they reunite to play star-crossed lovers again. This time, what keeps them trapped is not a tragedy of a ship, but it’s their marriage. Based on the acclaimed novel by Richard Yates, Academy Award winning director Sam Mendes, Revolutionary Road is set in 1955 and follows a couple trying to find fulfillment in an era of strict conformity. They have given up their dreams to live in a life that’s common to others expectation on that era.

April (Winslet) has given up her dream to be an actress to stay at home a play the role of cliché a suburbia mother and wife. Frank (DiCaprio) becomes one of thousands of other men that wear drab suits who sit in a cubicle everyday. One day April realizes that when she first met Frank, this is not the life that she ever imagines. Frank to her is so unpredictable and fun. But now, their life seems like to dull. She then comes with the idea to impulsively move to Paris and start a new life. Frank totally happy with idea and they makes plan to achieve their dream-ideal life. Their marriage continues to disintegrate as their plan to escape is cancel by Frank when he suddenly gets a big promotion at work. April is devastated with Frank decision and then makes her decision that will make Frank feel sorry for the rest of his life.

This is totally not a movie that you want to watch on a date. It’s not a love story that brings love to the mood but it is more on a movie that tell you to follow your dream. It is a great study of reality behind the façade of marital bliss. I love this story so much. More on the story, I am officially in love with Richard Yates. This story moves me. It makes me realize that in our life, it’s important to achieve your dreams. Winslet really deserve her Golden Globe on this movie. Maybe an Oscar would be nice. I am surprise that DiCaprio is not nominated in the Academy Award this year. It’s like a conspiracy is going on out there. Watch this movie and you’ll understand why I love DiCaprio so much in this movie. His expression is out of the world. I hope this movie will score at Academy Award at least for one award. I cross my finger to see this movie won Best Adaptation Screenplay. Last, for all of you that are a Valentine’s Day skeptic, I recommend this movie.

****1/2