Despite exceptional acting by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, “Revolutionary Road,” a very dark portrait of an imploding marriage, is too detached for me to care what happens. Frank (DiCaprio) and April (Winslet) Wheeler are about 30, have two children, a home in the suburbs, and are unhappy. It’s 1955 and Frank has a boring New York job, marketing business machines, but he needs the money to support his family. His response to his situation is long martini lunches and an occasional affair. April, a full time wife and mother, has no other outlet than to argue with Frank. Desperate, April comes up with a plan to sell their home on Revolutionary Road and move to Paris, where, after leaving behind the emptiness of their current life, they can begin anew. At first, Frank is excited by the idea, but reality begins to intrude when he is offered a major promotion and April is pregnant with their third child. Suddenly, their marriage, which had been invigorated by a spark of hope, falls apart.
“Revolutionary Road” presents an analysis of an American Dream where people believe that, with hard work and persistence, they are destined for greatness. But what happens when all of their efforts result in conformity and ordinariness? The Wheeler’s marriage is not destroyed by infidelity, financial troubles, or communication difficulties, but by the recognition that they are just like everyone else. Winslet and DiCaprio use their chemistry to develop genuine affection between April and Frank. These are believable, flawed people. Winslet has the more difficult job of making us see the glimmer of wisdom in her impractical plan. And Michael Shannon as John Givings, a mathematician who’s been hospitalized for insanity, gives a remarkable performance. Like Shakespeare’s fools, his acid tongue spouts truths that no one else will speak. “Revolutionary Road” may impress with its acting talent, intrigue with its story, but it never really elicits an emotional response. 1/16/09
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