Revolutionary Road
Aside from the fact that I love Kate Winslet, and that this is just an excellent movie in and of itself, Revolutionary Road was in no way your "traditional" love story. I saw this in movie theaters once, but after watching it a second time plopped on my parent's bed I think i've come to realize that I appreciate it even more. In as less words as possible the movie chronicled the life of a middle aged, yet still young couple in the 1950s, and their battle in the pursuit of self discovery. After moving from the city to the suburbs with their two children, April (Kate Winslet) begins to feel the womanly ideals of the time period take a toll on her individuality. She feels trapped and wants to live her life not necessarily spontaneously, but differently. Consequently this strains her relationship with her husband, and their once sensible dream gives way to tragic consequences.
Aside from the fact that I love Kate Winslet, and that this is just an excellent movie in and of itself, Revolutionary Road was in no way your "traditional" love story. I saw this in movie theaters once, but after watching it a second time plopped on my parent's bed I think i've come to realize that I appreciate it even more. In as less words as possible the movie chronicled the life of a middle aged, yet still young couple in the 1950s, and their battle in the pursuit of self discovery. After moving from the city to the suburbs with their two children, April (Kate Winslet) begins to feel the womanly ideals of the time period take a toll on her individuality. She feels trapped and wants to live her life not necessarily spontaneously, but differently. Consequently this strains her relationship with her husband, and their once sensible dream gives way to tragic consequences. Sooo... as a result of watching this I have made my own observations and questions as well.
Though the story line of this movie reflects the isolation many women felt during the 50s- they were expected to love their children, worship their husbands, and all the while remain at home as a "housewife"- and reflects the monotonous life of working businessmen, it is also a modern tale; a relatable story to many of us, including me. One of the underlying themes and questions in this movie is: Does conforming to society, or tradition, come with a steep price of sacrificing individuality? One of April's main obstacles was her growing feeling of suppression- she was a mother, a wife, and lived a comfortable life- yet through it all she felt void and unfulfilled as an individual. Nowadays I think many of us feel the same way- though quietly. Does motherhood mean sacrificing our goals and dreams we once had? Our creativity and optimistic outlook on life we possessed as children? On a more relevant level to me, does parental pressure and a more "realistic" expectation from them mean compromising what I truly want for my future? "Be a lawyer, Be a doctor, Be a nurse." Sure its more realistic compared to the seemingly fantastic future of working in the fashion/magazine industry and being successful. But is it worth the compromise?? Does security and comfort obliterate the idea of taking chances? I don't know. Life is only a temporary moment- fleeting. If there's anything I've been challenged to think most about from this movie it comes from a line said by Kate Winslet's character April.. and with this I'll end this entry:
"It takes backbone to live the life you want to live."
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