Revolutionary Road 2008
Richard Yates’ “Revolutionary Road – Chasing the Dream”, based on the novel of the same name, portrays an impressive portrait of the American institution of marriage through the eyes of Frank and April Wheeler (Leonardo DiCaprio – Kate Winslet). Set in 1950s America, Yeats’ story raises a question that resonates in contemporary relationships: Can two people break away from the ordinary routine of life without separating from each other? Frank and April have always seen themselves as special, different; willing and ready to live up to their lofty ideals. Therefore, when they move into their new home on Revolutionary Road, lined with luxury houses, they proudly declare their independence from the stagnant surroundings. They are determined not to fall into the traps that define the social boundaries of the time. However, the Wheeler couple finds themselves in an unexpected situation: Frank Wheeler becomes a tense adult man every day due to his routine job, and April becomes an unhappy housewife trying to suppress her desires and passions. The result is a typical American family that has lost its dream like others. April, eager to change the course of her fate, makes a bold plan to start over. They will travel to the undiscovered world of Paris, leaving behind the comfort of Connecticut. However, when she puts her plan into action, it becomes clear that Frank and April are now completely opposed to each other. While one wants to escape at all costs, the other is inclined to protect everything they have. Furthermore, there seems to be no chance of compromise.
