Rated R: Strong language, some sexual content
Directed by Sam Mendes; Starring Kate Winslett, Leonardo Dicaprio
Set in the 1950's, this drama is about a young married couple, Frank and April Wheeler, (Winslett and DiCaprio) trying to fit in to a suburban neighborhood, and tra
ditional husband and wife roles. After a while, they both realize they are miserable (Frank going to the office everyday as the bread winner and Winslett as the perfect housewife) and long for something more.
The acting is pitch perfect by the leads, as Winslett really makes you believe she is a free spirit trapped in a loveless marriage and confining home. DiCaprio's character Frank is a hotshot salesman at the company he works for, but is thoroughly bored with his life as well. When the idealistic couple decide to spread their wings and make a change, the circumstances of their life and surroundings quelch their dreams, sending them on an emotional, resentful downward spiral.
If you like Sam Mendes' style (Road To Perdition, American Beauty) you won't be disappointed. The film breaks down the barriers of the "keeping up appearances" nuclear families of the '50s and shows you real characters that seem to have it all together on the outside, but have been living with trial and regret behind closed doors for years.
Micheal Shannon (Bug) and Kathy Bates round up an excellent supporting cast, and the music by Thomas Newman really helps set the tone. I highly recommend this film. My rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars.
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