Review of Revolutionary Road (2008) by Christopher P — 05 Aug 2011

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are so terrific with one another it makes you wonder how much they are acting versus their real harbored feelings towards one another behind the scenes. The two may prove to be the best onscreen couple in the history of cinema; first with their critically acclaimed blockbuster mega-hit "Titanic" and second with 2008's "Revolutionary Road". The duo were in love in "Titanic". In this film, they are at each others throats. This is a film made for two heavyweight actors to go round for round with one another, all for our entertainment.

The two star as a married couple in the suburbs who cannot stand another second it or for the most part each other. DiCaprio cheats on his wife, yet loves her and his family. Winslet's character is going through the motions of a marriage and desperately wants to start over and move her family to Paris. The two spend the whole movie fighting each other desperately trying to save whatever is left of their dying marriage. We are on their roller coaster and we are left off feeling just as dazed and disoriented as they are.

The plot is solid but it has some elements that just don't work with the main theme of the movie. There are too many awkward scenes involving needy overbearing neighbors, pessimistic co-workers, and some guy who is only brought in only to stir up some trouble. Another problem with the film is that the dramatic conclusions our onscreen couple jump to are just too unrealistic and could be solved much more easily than what resolves in the film. But the this movie is all about DiCaprio and Winslet's stellar performances.

"Revolutionary Road" shines when DiCaprio and Winslet are on screen...together. We go through all the motions of their marriage (mostly anger and sadness) as it self destructs before our very eyes. They both deserved the accolades they got for this film as they are both truly spectacular and surprisingly raw. I'm sure something is/has been going on off camera between these two actors because of the level of what each actor will allow the other to do emotionally (and physically) is very unique in the realm of Hollywood films. They are that good together. See this film for their performances.

Grade: B-.