Leo and Kate Duke it Out in the Burbs

Reuniting Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet is sure to attract lots of attention, not to mention the fans that have waiting patiently since their pairing in Titanic (1997). This time around the duo play the Wheelers in the film “Revolutionary Road” which is also the name of the street where this 1950’s suburbia couple, Frank and April live with their two children. If you enjoy great acting then by all means see the film, its over-the-top drama. You also need to know that the film centers on two hours of screaming, yelling and downright hopelessness.

At the director’s helm is Sam Mendes, Kate’s husband in real life, a Londoner who has never really lived in the burbs. This is an interesting fact, although I’m still struggling with his intended message of the film as it clearly maligns living in American suburbs as does the novel written by Richard Yates in 1955. The opening scene sets the stage. April’s play is not well received by the neighbors and Frank states, “I just don't want you feeling bad about it, that's all. I mean, it's bad enough having to live here among these d..n people” (The word is not darn)

Frank’s attitude is condescending, as he’s frustrated with life in general not just the burbs. Here’s Frank’s second lame attempt to help his wife feel better about her failure, to paraphrase Frank’s lines: It strikes me, that there's a considerable amount of bulls..t going on here.

Number one, it's not my fault the play was lousy.

Number two, it's sure as h..l (Not heck) not my fault you didn't turn out to be an actress, and the sooner you get over this little piece of soap opera the better off we'll both be.

Number three, I don't happen to fit the role of dumb, insensitive suburban husband; you've been trying to hang that one on me ever since we moved here.

Maybe, just maybe this couple is just plain unhappy and living in the suburbs has nothing to do with their despondent feelings. I highly doubt “The Wheelers” would change their temperaments by living in much smaller quarters in an over-crowded city. Both characters are very comfortable constantly reminding each other how awful their life is because of their address.

What’s also disturbing, although true of the 50’s, is the way in which the women were regarded at home and in the business office. I would suspect that this unfair treatment of women in the 1950’s is the core of April’s problems and not her immediate physical surroundings.

Here’s another piece of unpleasant news; neither character is likeable. April has no patience with her children and has a hot and cold temperament throughout the film – hints of bi-polar disorder no doubt. (This did make me sad as depression symptoms would have been treated with shock therapy as suggested in the film, instead of the alternatives of today.) Frank, is a self-centered bully who wants to control everything and continually engage in verbal rants regarding his one sided opinions. Both of them together interacting as a couple are explosive.

Kathy Bates appears has their ‘all knowing’ realtor. Her son, played by Michael Shannon (nominated Best Supporting Actor) has been committed to the local sanitarium and stops by occasionally for visits. His ‘tell it as he sees it’ comments cut to the core of April and Frank’s troubles as he questions each of their motives. These scenes are high drama as well. Her character isn’t very likeable either, although much tamer than (Misery 1990).

If you decide to see the film after I’ve given you the tone, then see it for the superb acting. Kate and Leo are fantastic to watch but also heartbreaking. I suppose Mendes wanted to reenact the novel as it were intended, although I disagree with both of their assessments of the suburbs. They’re actually a wonderful place to raise a family, with excellent schools, welcoming neighbors and not to mention plenty of trees.

It would be great to see both Kate and Leo reunite soon with the Cohen Brothers as their directors and entertain audiences with a much needed comedy.

Sarah Adamson © 2009