revolutionary road

Has marriage ever been so depressing?

Though the American themes of the 1950s-conformity, emotionally stifled housewives, husbands apathetic about their jobs-have been explored in recent times (Far From Heaven and AMC's Mad Men come to mind), never have they been so perfectly expressed. Revolutionary Road, adapted from the deftly written Richard Yates novel, follows the troubles of young, suburban couple Frank and April Wheeler (Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet).

Though enraptured by each other when they first met, the couple now faces what Frank calls the "hopeless emptiness" of suburban American life. The cure, April naively believes, is a move to Paris-the only city in which Frank has "ever felt alive." Director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) uses powerful still-shots of the home, suggesting the Wheeler's domestic depression. He also uses color and tone to set the mood and visually captures the two protoganists' decay into their empty shells of humanity.

Speaking of, what an incredibly different yet suitable narrative for the doomed Titanic lovers to reunite in. DiCaprio's face ripples as Frank tries to quell his anger and unhappiness and erupts when all of his trapped emotions are released. Winslet masterfully understands and projects each angle of April's character and should undoubtedly receive the Oscar this year.

The supporting ensemble is impressive and perfectly cast. Neighboring couple Shep and Milly Campbell (David Harbour and Kathryn Hahn) give poignant and touching performances, and the great Kathy Bates is memorable as Frank and April's real estate broker Mrs. Givings. Mrs. Givings' son, an insane-asylum resident, John (Michael Shannon) provides the film's most amusing and truthful moments, which help lighten the film's bleak mood.

Revolutionary Road proves to be one of this year's most powerful and moving stories-an incredible meditation on our country and a tragic example of the crumbling American Dream.