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Dissatisfaction

Revolutionary Road

Max points: 5 Type: Movie Recommendation

*Revolutionary Road* explores the hidden struggles of a suburban couple whose seemingly perfect life masks deep dissatisfaction, depression, and unfulfilled dreams. The film offers a raw look at marriage, identity, and societal pressure, making it a powerful reflection on emotional truth and human fragility.

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In *Revolutionary Road*, the story begins with Frank and April Wheeler, a young couple living in suburban Connecticut during the 1950s. Outwardly, they appear to embody the ideal American dream: a comfortable home, two children, and a stable life. Yet beneath the surface lies deep dissatisfaction, as both Frank and April struggle with feelings of unfulfillment, restlessness, and a longing for something beyond conformity. Their relationship becomes the lens through which the film explores the cost of repressing dreams, individuality, and emotional needs within the rigid expectations of postwar society.

The theme of marriage and depression emerges as the Wheelers' struggles intensify. April's growing despair reflects the crushing weight of unmet aspirations and the isolation of a woman whose ambitions extend beyond the domestic sphere. Frank, meanwhile, wrestles with the emptiness of routine and the dissonance between his outward success and inner dissatisfaction. Together, their conflicts highlight how unspoken emotions, lack of communication, and societal pressures can exacerbate depression within intimate relationships. The film portrays depression not simply as an individual battle but as one intertwined with relational dynamics, gender roles, and cultural norms, making their marriage a haunting portrait of emotional collapse.

By the end, *Revolutionary Road* leaves viewers reflecting on the fragility of human connection and the consequences of burying one's truth in pursuit of appearances. It asks difficult questions about love, identity, and the sacrifices people make for stability, while exposing the psychological toll of conformity and unfulfilled desire. For more details you can explore the film's official page on IMDB.

Author: Sam Mendes Words: 262

Questions

1. What broader issue does the film highlight through the Wheelers' struggles?

2. Which theme is central to April Wheeler's despair in the film?

3. Where is *Revolutionary Road* set?

4. What outward appearance do Frank and April Wheeler project to others?

5. How does the film portray depression within the Wheelers' marriage?

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