Sam Mendes Redefines Revolutionary Road
It’s been several busy days and this just covers one of the highlights. Friday night was a screening for Sam Mendes’, (American Beauty), new directorial debut of his film “Revolutionary Road,” starring his wife Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kathy Bates, along with a line of well-seasoned stage actors Mendes deservedly added to the mix. My favorite supporting character being the role of Kathy Bate’s son in the movie, John Givings, played by actor Michael Shannon.
The movie, a screenplay adaptation by Justin Haythe of the much loved classic book from the 50’s by Richard Yate’s, comes to life through the wonderful portrayal of its characters and the great set design. The theme of the movie explores life, relationships, courage, dreams, and what one gives up of themselves and why they give these things up in the pursuit or lack of pursuit of their dreams and passions. Who is truly brave is a question the movie addresses.
Set in the 50’s a Manhattan couple moves to the suburbs of Connecticut after marrying to raise their family. All the while being there, they believe that they are different from the other couple’s and families who live and work nearby. They not only think they are different, but their neighbor’s, friends, and co-workers think the same. They believe they have freedom and choices in the decisions they make, and that they are a cut above the others who share their life. This is a story about truth, and whose truth. It’s about change, unraveling, disillusionment, and every day life. It’s the story of one families experience living in the Connecticut suburbs on Revolutionary Road in the 1950’s and what befalls them, and how the choices they make affect not only each other but their friends, neighbors and co-workers. It’s a look into living life differently, how it threatens those around you and yourself, and the cost both good and bad. It’s a movie that requires reflection and is well worth seeing.