Said and Unsaid
The universal theme in Revolutionary Road is conveyed in a mid-point scene in which Leonardo DiCaprio's Frank, taking a walk in the woods, sardonically mentions "the hopeless emptiness of the whole life here." In response to this Michael Shannon's truth-telling loose cannon, walking with Frank, says that "plenty of people are on to the emptiness, but it takes real guts to see the hopelessness."
Snicker if you want and call this a variation on the Woody Allen/Annie Hall view that all of human existence is divided into the camps of the miserable and the horrible, but the Road theme that will connect, I believe, with general ticket buyers and Academy members is the general feeling that "this is not working, this is not it, this is not fulfilling -- and we need to free ourselves from the trap."
This is obviously a time of change and turnover, and if anything brought about the election of Barack Obama it was a majority of people recognizing and saying the above in a present-day context. Moviegoers will initially relate to Frank and April Wheeler as tragic figures, but as you get into the film an idea takes shape that they're also echo-metaphors for what's vaguely wrong now, or at least as symbols of the need to get rid of what's taking us all down.
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on November 21, 2008 at 10:10 AM
comment #1
JohnCope
says ...
And replace it with what? Don't get me wrong, I agree with your sentiments but you are after all the guy who has said a million times that he wants to die at his desk doing his job. That's certainly great for you if you love your job but most people don't and it's not such an easy thing to find a way to allow for that to happen. But I know you must know this. Besides, the whole structure of this society is designed to promulgate the vision of life which is presented as anathema in this movie.
Posted by JohnCope
at November 21, 2008 11:25 AM
comment #2
K. Bowen
says ...
O., It's a Baby Boomer movie. Forgive my Gen X cynicism.
Posted by K. Bowen
at November 21, 2008 11:38 AM
comment #3
Michael
says ...
Just wondering...is there an empty plastic bag blowing around in the background when this conversation takes place? Are you fucking kidding me?
Posted by Michael
at November 21, 2008 11:47 AM
comment #4
George Prager
says ...
Baby Boomer movie? Nope, it's a Silent Generation movie.
Woody Allen was a great admirer of Yates' `The Easter Parade.'
Posted by George Prager
at November 21, 2008 12:00 PM
comment #5
YRG
says ...
I agree that the election of Obama marks a turning point. It's good this movie takes place in the 50s; the sentiment is no longer relevant and will seem even more dated in the coming years of change...
Posted by YRG
at November 21, 2008 12:01 PM
comment #6
Joel
says ...
I dunno, I am around the age of Leo & Kate's characters... in the novel anyway (mid- to late-20s) and I know quite a few people who have the same "let's move to Paris because people are so sophisticated and alive there" mentality. Including my girlfriend, who at this point is willing to move anywhere with national health care.
Posted by Joel
at November 21, 2008 12:33 PM
comment #7
George Prager
says ...
It's a period piece! Jeez!
Posted by George Prager
at November 21, 2008 12:51 PM
comment #8
JDCTCB
says ...
"Snicker if you want and call this a variation on the Woody Allen/Annie Hall view that all of human existence is divided into the camps of the miserable and the horrible..."
To be fair, Jeff, that exact line is in the book, which was written in 1961, so, if anything, it was Allen making the variation.
If this thing's a hit, I'm curious as to what Yates book will be next in line for an adaptation. Easter Parade is nearly as good, but considering the decades it covers, probably not plausible. A Good School, however, would be great, as, personally, I've always thought it was a much richer, much tighter, less pretentious Catcher in the Rye.
Posted by JDCTCB
at November 21, 2008 2:09 PM
comment #9
buckzollo
says ...
The movie is for adults, but not to the exclusion of young adults. Yes it is dark and tragic but there is dark humor to be enjoyed. I found it powerful and haunting albeit short of perfect. Leo and Kate are excellent. The movie will garner deserved Oscar praise.
Posted by buckzollo
at November 21, 2008 2:23 PM
comment #10
Zimmergirl
says ...
At any rate, Woody says "the horrible and the miserable" not "the miserable and the horrible."
Posted by Zimmergirl
at November 21, 2008 7:33 PM
comment #11
janee
says ...
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Posted by janee
at May 19, 2011 1:44 AM