In 2008, brought to the silver screen by Sam Mendes, “Revolutionary Road” stands out as an impressive movie aiming to delve into the roots of the American Dream. Adapted from Richard Yates’ novel of the same name, which is considered a classic of modern American literature, the movie centers on the life of the Wheeler couple living in America in 1955. Through the lens of the middle class, it vividly portrays the collapse of the American Dream.

“Revolutionary Road” goes beyond being a conventional critique of middle-class life, examining how the American system traps individuals in a world of escapism and delving into the inclination toward conformity.

April (Kate Winslet) and Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio), who meet and get to know each other at a party, share their ideals and ambitions. They discuss what interests them most, and soon after, we are transported to the period in which the movie primarily takes place. April, as seen in that scene, is passionately pursuing her dream of acting, but neither the theater production she is involved in nor her own acting performance receives the recognition she yearns for. On the other hand, Frank works at Knox, a typical capitalist company, and is growing increasingly disenchanted with his job. Although he is unsure about what he truly wants from life, he dreams of traveling the world and visiting Paris. As they move into their new home on Revolutionary Road, Frank transforms into a frustrated man, and April becomes an unhappy housewife. The result is a typical American family that has lost its dreams.

Nuri Bilge Ceylan, during the last Cannes Film Festival, where his latest movie “About Dry Grasses” had its first screening, made the following statement at the press conference after the screening: “The consolation that happiness is somewhere else applies to most of us. In other words, if we are not satisfied with our lives, the idea that we can be happy elsewhere, wherever that may be, brings us comfort.” April, too, finds herself embracing such a sentiment and devises a bold plan: to leave behind luxury and comfort and embark on the unknown world of Paris. However, while April seeks to escape, Frank is determined to preserve everything they have. For Frank, the dream of Paris remains symbolic, as the image of something always holds more power than the thing itself. Meanwhile, April becomes pregnant. She is even willing to undergo an abortion for the sake of her Parisian dream. But when Frank learns of April’s thoughts, he becomes furious and abandons the idea of going to Paris. Frank, with an intensely demanding job that helps him forget the absurdity of life, sees this situation as manageable. However, for April, it becomes increasingly unbearable. She harbors a deep resentment toward Frank, who has condemned her to such a predicament, and the baby he uses as an excuse.

The Wheelers’ suppressed ideals continuously fuel their dissatisfaction with the life they lead, ultimately consuming their marriage. “Revolutionary Road,” by questioning the functionality of the institution of marriage and encapsulating these issues, presents a profound and striking portrayal of their intense discord.

The use of mirrors in the movie is highly significant in representing the pivotal moments in the characters’ lives. April’s decision to abandon her acting career and become a housewife, Frank giving up on the idea of going to Paris, and April’s choice to take the tools necessary for her abortion all take shape after the characters gaze at themselves in the mirror. The representation of the characters’ transitions to new perspectives through these mirror scenes is quite striking.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, reuniting 11 years after their breakthrough roles in Titanic, deliver such mesmerizing acting performances that it’s impossible not to believe that the Wheelers are a real and living couple. Sam Mendes’ masterful direction and the script, drawn from literature, only add to the movie’s captivating nature, making it even more compelling.

“Revolutionary Road” brings forth a couple striving to hold onto their dreams, and although it is a period piece, its narrative remains relevant today, easily invoking empathy. Themes of stagnation, entrapment, and hopelessness are effortlessly conveyed to the audience through its characters.

This can indeed be seen as a movie that embodies John Lennon’s quote, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Especially as it progresses towards the finale, the movie intensifies in its ability to shake the audience, offering a powerful depiction of unexpected life events and their impact on the characters.