I think that one of the latest snubs to come from the awards ceremony we refer to as “Oscar” proves just how out of touch this panel is. The fact that Leonardo DiCaprio was not recognized for his work in this film is appalling. His performance is equal to Kate Winslet’s, if not better. I mean no disrespect to Winslet, but DiCaprio makes the audience understand his character and his motivations and go through this emotional rollercoaster with him. We do not respond the same way to Winslet’s performance.

This film has been praised throughout its run in theaters. At first glance, the movie looks like a typically depressing drama. But what sets this apart from so many films that examine relationships is how timely it is. With the state the world is currently in, and the hardships that so many are currently going through, this movie is contemporary, despite the fact that it is set in the mid 1950s.

DiCaprio’s character, Frank Wheeler, is dissatisfied with his job. This is a theme that many have to face in their life. But right now, people are trying to hang on to their jobs, no matter how much they loathe them. The fact that Frank eventually receives some recognition at his job and can learn to appreciate it and perhaps even enjoy it, provides some light for the current sufferers, myself included (being in the service industry isn’t exactly inspiring me these days). The mix of hope, fear, and insecurity that DiCaprio portrays draws us in and we are living his life with him. He lets us step inside this era as he embodies it.

And though Frank can come to terms with the original disillusionment he has with his current state of life, his wife April, cannot. Winslet’s performance is wonderful as well. Perhaps the resentment I felt towards her character was that I didn’t feel like I received as much motivation (I hate using that cheesy word) as with Frank’s. I didn’t understand why April hated her life so much. Although, some of the statements she makes at the beginning of the film let us know that she wanted to travel and be more than stuck at home being Frank’s wife. But while Frank works his way through his dissatisfaction, April cannot. April will not discuss any problems in their marriage and walks away.

As the credits rolled, an older friend who came to the movie with the group of us said this is precisely why she didn’t understand why everyone refers to the 50s and 60s as the “good ol’ days.” Perhaps Revolutionary Road is a timeless tale for generations to come. It highlights the fact that no matter what years we are in, the same problems and obstacles are present, whether they are personal or political. But you cannot just give up on life and people you love. Or yourself.

You have to work through it and commit yourself to something, whatever it is. You have to have a strong foundation to make it through life with your chin up.

Filed under: silver screen by admin