Revolutionary Road

by Le Anne Lindsay, Editor

I’ve taken note of the fact that the word Revolutionary has swirled around me a bit in recent months: I’m crazy about the Cold Play song Viva La Vida (Live the Life) the lyrics speak of revolution, the CD cover depicting the French Revolution. And in the midst of this economic crisis, I wanted to understand more about economy, so I’ve been reading a book called “The First Wall Street” which details how the stock market began in Philadelphia due to the trading of the rebel armies IOU’s after the Revolutionary War.

Most importantly, I’m living a personal revolution of starting over career wise. I’m currently working on an Associates degree, full-time. I’ve liquidate my IRA, and for now, receiving unemployment compensation. It’s this “revolution” that allowed me (although unmarried) to relate to the themes of the movie Revolutionary Road.

April (Kate Winslet), once an aspiring actress and Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) once an aspiring dreamer, marry and unwittingly fall into the American Dream. We come to understand they thought they’d be able to do it better; you know the whole 2.5 kids, nice home, nice neighbors, homemaking, safe job etc… That somehow the settling down thing would look different on them. April’s discontentment comes to a head after a dismal experience with a local theater group. At first she lumps Frank into her unhappiness, creating marital strife and examination. A reassessment allows her to remember she and Frank once wanted the same things out of life, so April formulates a plan for “Living the Life”.

I so understood the reactions of their co-workers, neighbors and friends to their “plan”. People don’t want to be reminded to question their lives. And they certainly do not appreciate those that challenge the status quo.

I haven’t read Richard Yates novel of the same name, but screen writer, Justin Haythe, will assuredly receive an Oscar nomination for his adaptation. Each scene relays its themes with clear intent and sharp dialogue. Very few flashbacks of the couple are used or needed. Which also may be due to the talents of “Mr. Winslett” – Director, Sam Mendes. The Ultra conformity of the 50’s works best to tell the story. However, I felt it could be equally effective if set in present day.

Congratulations to Kate Winslett on her deserved Golden Globe win!

Rating: Pretty Middle Toe

Speaking of The Golden Globes…