8/2/2019 42398822 Revolutionary Road Review

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Jake ReateguiENGL 2010; Trevor Smith

Review on the film Revolutionary Road

Will You Drive on Revolutionary Road?

With the struggles of conformity and the persistence of self-importance in the early

1950s, Richard YatessRevolutionary Roadexplores those two contrasting themes that

we hold true to the American Dream. Simply put Yates's tale revolves around Frank andApril Wheeler, a young 50s couple with two kids whose marriage disintegrates from the

frustration over having bought into a model vision of the nuclear family.

The novel itself is a classic known for its prow and undertones of the American

50s conformist society; however Sam Mendess adaption to the screen in comparison tothe novel is only doomed by its ambition. Ofcourse its ideal forthe filmmaker to follow

closely to Yatess original sustenance, but with the content and emotional drainage of the

novel it only leaves the film to over simplify the plot of its essentials.

Not to linger on the faults of the film there is much to admire within theproduction of the story. A prowess of the film would be the cinematography, Roger

Deakinss delivers an inescapable allure from the exquisite compositions heightening the

development of Frank and Aprils desperate isolation and later insufferable

imprisonment. Deakinss use of the suburban landscape paints both an authentic portrayalof post-World War II and accentuates the confinement the characters perceive of their

surroundings.The lighting also accentuates the emotional baggage the characters carry within

the texture of their expressions. This is subtly created with light hues, almost glowing at

some points and the strong performances by Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet that rile up

truth and contentions within a relationship, such as intimacy and disappointment that

seem to be constantly erupting throughout the film.The films dramatic limitations are far from the conventions of Hollywood,

despite thisRevolutionary Roadfails to sustain its audience through too frequentdramatics and important speeches. Rather than visual depicting the narrative, the

audiences in several occasions are stripped from their interpretations of the emotions or

actions portrayed, which is disappointing as a fellow viewer.

Despite being told what the aspirations and struggles of the characters are thereinstances when it seems appropriate and gives clear distinction on the characters internal

senses and will, but not to say the editorial process was just. The film is riddled with

adverse speeches that only limit the audiences expectation and interpretations. I would

only pronounce that Sam Mendes would allow the audience a chance in depicting the

subject as well as the characters, initially as he did.A worthy film indeed for the medium, however the film is detrimentally trimmed

down from the process of adaptation. I would recommend the read much more than the

viewing, but thats not to say the film is failure is delivers some of the original fluidityand quick-wit dialog (excluding speeches) Yatess original conception yielded, not to

mention the visually appealing picturesque lifestyle of 50s society, as well as the cultureand ideologies present at that time. The film does serve, despite its comparison to the

novel gratitude as a viewer to films like this with the conviction and stamina to view what

8/2/2019 42398822 Revolutionary Road Review

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is conformity and how it affects the individual.

Revolutionary Roadis rated R for language and some sexuality content/ nudity.