It is 1955 and Revolutionary Road is the neighbourhood where the upwardly mobile families reside. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio and their two children are amongst them, publicly the ideal family but privately unhappy and yearning for something different.
Each day, DiCaprio, commutes to the city, just one amongst a sea of grey-suited male breadwinners who occupy meaningless positions in the skyscraper offices.
This is a movie full of unhappy people and if you weren't feeling depressed before seeing it the odds are you might feel that way when you leave it.
There were some light moments although I wasn't certain whether these were intended or a consequence of weaknesses in the screenplay. The performances are mostly strong with occasional moments of melodrama. Michael Shannon, nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in this movie, stands out in the flamboyant role of an acquaintance under treatment for a nervous breakdown and regarded as crazy who ironically is the only one who sees what really is happening.
Loved it. Really. although it made me feel a bit introspective and sad - but hye, surely a good movie does transport you somewhere else emotionally?
ReplyDeleteKate Winslet rocked.