Nathaniel R's thoughts on Revolutionary Road

"Rough start and overscored. Lively acting throughout."

As much as I really love the film for now - undisputed favorite of the year so far - I can't help but agree with that statement.

He's really nailed the films problems, and the film truly does get off to a wobbly start. The opening is dynamic enough, so I really have no idea why. I guess it just lacks propulsion, and as humans, we like to see sh*t blow up and the film lacks that edge for a little.

I don't think it's a big deal. I just hope others can overlook it.

The score - now, I have a profound appreciation for Thomas Newman and his music, I happen to love the score to Revolutionary Road. It's the type of score he does very well, but it's not a departure for him. Wall•E was. I think I prefer the music in Revolutionary Road, but maybe not. They are both pungent and memorable scores. The problem with Revolutionary Road is that it is in fact overscored. I tried to sugar coat that fact, but clearly I am not alone.

I don't blame Thomas Newman, I can't blame him. Not even if I wanted to.

Sam Mendes likely should have excised some bits here and there, and it would have been a more effective score. It really should have been sparse, minimal in both content and placing.

As it stands, it seems to get a little repetetive. This is what Todd McCarthy wrote, and it's not a repetetive score.

It just seems to be because score is excessive, at least for a film like this.

Truly, a stark contrast to Towelhead, which had a longer running time than Revolutionary Road I believe (or very close to, at least), and that film had about fifteen minutes of score - which is remarkable!

--DM