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8/2/2019 42398822 Revolutionary Road Review
1/2
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
2/2
is conformity and how it affects the individual.
Revolutionary Roadis rated R for language and some sexuality content/ nudity.