"Knowing what you've got, knowing what you need, knowing what you can do without - That's inventory control."
-Frank Wheeler
Revolutionary Road
2008
We get up each day to the daily routine; we pour our coffee, we read our newspapers, we engage in some form of current events on our technological devices, we kiss the wife, and we are off to work. Yet, are the people in which we surround ourselves with, in tune to our utmost fears, goals, desires and hesitations, when the eight working hours are over?
"No! Wrong! You're not crazy, and you do love me. That's the point, April"
- Frank Wheeler
When I first saw this film I was disappointed. I have to admit, I don't know if it was because I was waiting for some monumental Kate and Leo reunion, or if I just didn't care for the ending storyline. However, I felt compelled to showcase Leonardo DiCaprio's work in this film as he portrayed a man succumbed by routine, and hidden to his wife's reality that once led him so vibrantly and so charismatically through the marriage. How and when we realize something has failed, may be the hardest pill to swallow; maybe its the easiest joke to get, or perhaps its just the life we choose.
Life takes us down this road in which we in turn create paths for ourselves. Some of us are lucky to hinder such grand luck and find happiness, while others are skeptical to the actualization of such a lover's tryst. Either way, we are existing, and we are choosing to stay on our road less traveled when we become stuck in a rut, or afraid to make a change.
Revolutionary Road for those who haven't seen the film, is the name of the street in which April and Frank Wheeler live on. This film is based on a time period in 1955 during Frank and April's 7 years of marriage. The personal and professional struggles of both April and Frank are seen through their interaction and daily tribulations. Infidelity, and hypocrisies are embedded in this film. Ideology of marriage and understanding are revealed through conflict styles and role playing. Roles that are predefined in our world of stereotypes.
"Look at us. We're just like everyone else. We've bought into the same, ridiculous delusion."
- April Wheeler
The concept that surrounds many couples in relationships, is one of which power and confidence exudes normalcy and status quo. There are the dreamers, and then there are the dream catchers. Sometimes the dream is too big for one to embark on, and the goal is often too short for someone to believe in; so the tides crash and the marriage falters. As we look into the struggling roles of Frank and April, we relate the circumstances into our own daily existence. We put ourselves on their road, and judge our path in courtship.
Has it been identified that happiness is reliant on another being; or is it that we must be happy first in our own shoes, before someone can become our soul understanding?
April, was an actress with a dream of Paris. She evolves as a dreamer through the role of mother and wife, when dealt with the reality that her life isn't headed anywhere. Frank, on the other hand was a salesperson like his father; stuck in a rut, and trying to portray the cookie cutter husband role. Through his all righteousness he seeks the attention of a secretary that makes him feel better, appear different, and exceptionally more appealing outside his home. When the feelings clash between what April and Frank need, April contemplates a way out. That decision is what leaves Frank alone, and Revolutionary Road towards a dead end.
The question is; was it too late? Was the pain too deep to heal?
Beyond the film, beyond the message; Revolutionary Road attempts to find the reasoning behind people and their choices. We might not always remember how we started down a path; but, we can almost relate better knowing that the end of the road is sometimes better than not necessarily found. The road less traveled is sometimes further away than the road in which we've become accustomed to walk along. Some of us end up walking alone; while others stride hand and hand.
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Comments
The pacing was tedious - too many lingering shots of people staring off into their souls; too many cars pulling into driveways. It felt as padded as a 1960s bra.
This film treads the same turf as "Mad Men", but without the subtly pace or humour.
BTW, I admire your ability to get the essence of a film and structure a whole essay around it, day after day. I've tried writing about movies and I run out of gas after three paragraphs.
Great review, we'll do, rated.
Thank you for your gracious comment. I enjoy reflecting on things going on in my life through the view of infamous movie quotes.
I could go on for days.. yet, I try to not give a biased opinion or summary of the film too much.
Each of us in our own way interpret things differently, and that is what makes life so creative.
The movie was heart-wrenching and the theme was depressing; but, I guess the only way to look at it is to put one in one's shoes and self analyze.
Thanks you two :-)