Kate and Leo reunite in 'Revolutionary' drama

By Nick Boyd

Director Sam Mendes once again portrays the unflattering aspects of marriage in suburbia -- as he did in 1999's "American Beauty" -- in his latest film, "Revolutionary Road."

In their first pairing since 1997's "Titanic," Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are both terrific, imbuing their characters with a palpable vulnerability and rawness of emotion that has developed with experience.

The film follows Frank, played by DiCaprio, and April Wheeler, played by Winslet, who meet at a party and are instantly smitten with each other. The two are soon married, but their marriage suffers as Frank holds a mundane office job, and April gives up her dream of becoming an actress as they struggle to raise two children.

When April suggests that the family move to Paris, Frank is at first skeptical. He eventually warms up to the idea when April explains that she could get a well-paying job as a secretary, while he could stay home with the children and find his passion in life -- a very forward and rather unorthodox idea in the 1950s. Understandably, Frank and April's neighbors are shocked when they hear of the couple's plans.

Matters become more complicated, however, when Frank finds out that he is up for a promotion at work and that this new job would pay significantly better than his current one.

The thorny dilemma of whether to take the new job or pursue a dream rips at the couple's relationship, revealing jealousies and accusations that threaten to tear apart their family.

When Frank tells John Givings, played by Michael Shannon, his real estate agent's son, that their plan to move to Paris is more a means of running away, John tells Frank that many people want to escape a sense of emptiness, but it takes guts to admit it.

John's nonconformist support of the Wheelers' decision to move abroad is a rarity among these typical 1950s characters.

Unfortunately, the film is lacking in description of the courtship between Frank and April, so the audience never sees what drew them together in the first place.

That flaw notwithstanding, this film very successfully tackles the complex, weighty issues of gender expectations, infidelity and nonconformity.

"Revolutionary Road" is a harrowing, haunting movie in the way that it ratchets up the tension and takes unexpected turns that lead to a stunning climax.

Grade: A-

Nick Boyd graduated in 2008. Contact him at moviemanscu@gmail.com.