Review of Revolutionary Road (2008) by Alex G — 07 Dec 2014

Returning to the thematic questions raised in American Beauty, Mendes takes a theatrical approach to a very Steinbeck story. While the directing and writing felt intended for the stage more than the big screen, the exploration of societal restraints was fantastic. We bare witness to the power to dream in a world that frowns on dreaming and the ramifications of such actions. As one couple lets the cracks show, the entire web begins to come apart.

The music is distractingly similar to American Beauty, but Mendes never approaches the similar material with the same lens. The satire and on-the-nose commentary has given way to a more "pleasentville" commentary. It is a shame the so much of the ending was deleted in the final cut.