The Inescapable Nature of Conformity in “Revolutionary Road” Stanley "Dod" Warhol College

Conformism is a concept that is lusted upon or embraced for the sense of security or safety that it offers. However it is beyond just a choice to be made, it is a force of nature that is quite inevitable considering the demands and expectations that life entails, as we grow older. Sam Mendes’ film Revolutionary Road explores this concept through a setting of 1950s American life, an era when the lust for conformity was at its peak. Through the main characters Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April Wheeler (Kate Winslet), Mendes demonstrates the gradual disillusionment with domesticity and conventionality. Frank and April are a young couple living in the suburbs with two children, Frank works as a salesman at Knox Machines where his father also worked while April is an aspiring actress. Initially, when they met The Wheelers were both convinced they were meant for great things hence becomes disenchanted by their now mediocre suburban life. Now with a failed acting career, April becomes an unhappy housewife while Frank who aspired to be a cashier now works at a job he loathes. They feel trapped especially April who wishes for the family to move to Paris to begin a new life in order to restore happiness in their lives. However, realize...