Revolutionary Road

Revolutionary Road Review

"Revolutionary Road" is all about reunion and disunion. First up is the debut pairing of the multi-talented husband and wife team, Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes ("American Beauty") and the stunning and six time Oscar nominee Kate Winslet ("The Reader").

And as if that wasn't enough, the film also reunites the stars of one of the highest grossing films of all time. But while "Titanic" was a disaster love story that brought together a young Ms Winslet and an even younger Leonardo DiCaprio, "Revolutionary Road" is a disastrous love story that sees the pair torn apart.

Certainly not the most upbeat of films, Sam Mendes' latest flick focuses on the fruitless search for the American Dream and the dissection of a failing marriage.

Winslet and DiCaprio play Frank and April Wheeler, young lovers who have the whole of their lives and dreams stretching out before them. April has aspirations of making it as an actress, while Frank is a carefree spirit, but as the years tick by, those hopes are soon dashed. April's star crashes back to Earth after a terrible stage debut, while Frank, despite his best intentions, soon ends up following in the footsteps of his father by becoming a company man for Knox Business Machines.

But when the American Dream, with the two children and house in the 'burbs, supplants their own, things begin to go awry and the relationship soon becomes rockier than a night out at an AC/DC concert. Despite the infidelities and disintegration of the marriage, the pair are seen as a model family, with all outsiders oblivious to their misery except for one, their nutty neighbour, Michael. But then one day, they are offered the chance to chase their dream once more - but will they seize the opportunity?

Leonardo DiCaprio gives yet another stellar performance, confirming his position as one of the finest actors of his generation, synching perfectly with the talented Kate Winslet, who is once again sublime.

There are also some exceptional turns from the supporting cast including David Harbour, Kathy Bates and Michael Shannon, but the real plaudits should go to helmer Sam Mendes. For the director of "American Beauty" and "Road To Perdition" has created a feel reminiscent of the saccharine sweet '50s American sitcom, only to replace it with a dark and sinister edge.

Sugary this ain't, but the inevitable clenched teeth will wear them down just the same.