Revolutionary Road Review

So I finally saw Revolutionary Road, the other night which may not have been the best call considering I was pretty distraught over finally admitting I was heartbroken over losing 2 close friends [they're not dead, but no longer in my life] but it was a well executed, yet dire look at a relationship between a miserable marreid couple, named Frank and April Wheeler (excellently played by Kate Winslet & Leonardo DiCaprio ) in 1950's New York. It was basically THE most depressing episode of Mad Men ever without any emotional payoff aside from great performances. The film starts off with a knock down drag out shouting match, which is incredibly intense, and then the film only gets darker. While there are faint glimmers of hope and the potential for things to get better for April and Frank Wheeler more fighting is inevitable and is reminiscent of the scenes in Closer where the couples lay it all out. Watching April and Frank shout at each other reminded me of a few arguments I had with an ex, which is probably why I found myself laughing aloud when April finally tells him:

"But I don't [love you.] I hate you. You were just some boy who made me laugh at a party once, and now I loathe the sight of you. In fact, if you come any closer, if you touch me or anything, I think I'll scream."

All in all Rev Road in my opinion is one of the best romantic dramedies I've ever seen, but that's because I coudln't help but laugh at the fact that these people hated each other, yet were together, plus Michael Shannon - who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar -was hilariously brilliant as a neighbors mentally ill, but brutally honest son was a revelation. Sam Mendes' direction was flawless and has helmed a stark, realistic tome, but all I can say is if you do decide to sit through this, brace yourself it's pretty rough, but hey so is life.

My rating: 8.8/10

The Reader Review

The Reader is the film adaptation of Bernhard Schlink's critically acclaimed best selling novel about a young man's affair with a much older woman. The Weinstein Company, who also produced the film describes:

The film opens in post-WWII Germany when teenager Michael Berg becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a stranger twice his age. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused and heartbroken. Eight years later, while Michael is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned to find Hanna back in his life - this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives. THE READER is a story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another.

The film was directed by the brilliant Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot & The Hours,) and stars the always amazing Ralph Fiennes as the older Michael Berg, and the "Best Actress of her Generation" Kate Winslet, who actually won a Golden Globe Winner for her performance in the film. German newcomer David Kross does a phenomenal job as the younger Michael Berg, and was utterly delightful, perfect and beautiful in the role. Despite all the production issues and disputes that surrounded the film during production and post production, it was nominated for Best Picture Drama, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress. The film is incredibly powerful and pretty exquisite before it even comes to end. I highly recommend this movie, to anyone who has found out the person you once loved isn't really who you thought they were, but are willing to live with that. My rating: 9.3/10