Go see this movie, especially before you get married, or before you settle down to a real life! This movie not only shows the conformity of life in the '50s, but also depicts the hidden goals and dreams of two people in a marriage who really shouldn't be married together, let alone have kids.
Everything in this film is right on - the social pressures for a man (especially in the 50s) to succeed, take care of his family and to do something worthwhile in life. It shows how women were expected to stay home and take care of the kids - which was like a jail cell door closing on them. Ladies be thankful you don't live in the 50s. Dreams deferred to responsibilities. Although it is hard for me to relate to a horrible marriage, since my own is almost perfect, Sam Mendes (American Beauty) directs this rollercoaster of a marriage toward an unpredictable ending leaving you worn out!
The America of the 50s is depicted perfectly - the conformity and loss of individuality, the constant smoking cigarettes, I could almost smell them on my clothes at the end of the film, the heavy drinking, and the men with the fedora hats. You could always tell the 50s because JFK never approved of wearing a hat and they faded after his presidency. Kate Winslet is awesome in this film, she really matures in this - her character is soulful and longs for happiness, but she keeps on hitting the wall. Little Leonardo DiCaprio is good as her husband, despite his failings he is sympathetic in the end. Make sure you see this film in a good mood, because it will certainly take a lot out of you in the end!
