In 1955 New England, April and Frank (Winslet and DiCaprio) have a picture-perfect house and two adorable kids (Ryan and Ty Simpkins). But they're increasing resentful of the path their lives have taken, and they explode into at each other from time to time. In a moment of desperation, April has a brainwave that sounds like a blast of fresh air to Frank. Their neighbours (Harbour and Hahn) are sceptical. And other friends (Bates and Easton) don't know what to say, although their unbalanced son (Shannon) does.

This is not a happy story, and it only takes Mendes a moment to descend into the first bitter argument between two people who feel trapped in their supposedly idyllic suburban life. As the film progresses, Frank and April desperately seek escape routes that offer hope and possibility. But these are just as much of a trap as their dream home on Revolutionary Road. And Mendes skilfully portrays this through expert production design, camera work, editing and Thomas Newman's echoing score.

Meanwhile, DiCaprio and Winslet act from the inside out, with panicking eyes and quavering voices resolving into all-out viciousness as well as cries for help. It's painful to watch, and carries strong echoes of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf as we follow the internal journeys of these two people through the way they punish each other for failing to make the American dream work the way it should. In other words, neither of them is remotely sympathetic.

And the side characters aren't much nicer, although they're just as vividly played. Bates' nosey, chattering estate agent and Harbour and Hahn's caring neighbours all have their heads in the sand. While the terrific Shannon adds a zing of scary insight and unpredictable earthiness to his scenes. These people need to break out and be who they are. But as one person asks, "Who is that?" And it's the final shot of Easton that reminds us how we cope.

The story's ultimate observation is extremely strong: dissecting the innate hopelessness of modern life's focus on success and prosperity. Does it require more backbone to work hard and be responsible or to live life as if it really matters? These provocative issues make the film hauntingly important. Although it's certainly not easy to watch.

themes, strong language, sexuality

25.Nov.08