Scene Analysis

Revolutionary Road (2008)

This is a scene from a film I particularly enjoyed. I loved the complete discomfort and uneasy-ness of it, watching Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) get exposed by John. Of course one, Frank is trying to hold it together in order to save face for both him and his crumbling marriage. But when someone is shamelessly pointing out the cracks, it's hard to keep it in. What I also enjoyed was how the power over the table transferred between the two men, demonstrating controlling and antagonising behaviours as some sort of defence mechanism.

John first leans in close to Frank, sat down. Dominating the conversation, antagonising him with his observations on Frank's marriage. He's in his ear, staring directly at him, speaking softly - showing him that he's not afraid and that he want's him to feel agitated - and if he's angry about it - it only proves John's suspicions are true. Frank at this point is feeling vulnerable, defenceless, exposed.

Frank looks up from the floor - looking directly at John. I felt like this could be taken in 2 ways. Frank is falsely fulfilling this stereotypical masculine role in society as a charming, cocksure 'provider' - but we know in the film he isn't happy with his life. So it's hard for me to tell whether he is feeling either particularly threatened by what John is saying in regards to his marriage and family life. Or whether he simply hates being antagonised by an unemployed, mentally ill man. When he stares directly at John I feel he is livid, and totally heated. He hates how John is embarrassing him in front of people - who view his family as 'perfect' and 'happy'.

When John backs off. Frank looks back to the ground, hanging his head in shame. In a deeper and more vulnerable manner. He takes a deep breathe as if he's bracing himself for something. He is totally exposed and humiliated.

John continues to stand at the end of the table. Holding all the power still. This time he leans in towards Frank and points at him. He's completely certain of his accusations at this point. He even points at April (Kate Winslet). He has the whole marriage under the spot light and it's making them blatantly uncomfortable. John is being outrageous, completely shameless and a real wise guy. He's raising his voice at this point, asserting his power once more before he sits down, assuming he's won.

Frank is getting more visually uncomfortable letting this man control his dinner table. Pointing fingers at his wife, drawing complete attention to his failing marriage and questionable missteps. Frank is getting sweaty, he rubs his hands over his mouth as if he's trying to hold his tongue. The anger is getting too much to hold in. He looks at John only for a split second as he can barely stand the guy.

Finally, John delivers the final blow. Leaning in, shouting in Frank's direction and looking directly at him. He's triumphant and superior at this point. Accusing Frank of being miserable in his comfortable life so he would 'never have to find out what he's really made of' because he's simply not strong enough for such an endeavour. John sits down after thinking the conversations over.

With a slam of a fist, the anger we watched grow inside of Frank erupts out of him. He leans in close, staring directly at John - something he's been avoiding or doing so hesitantly. He's no longer afraid. Absolutely furious, Frank gives John a piece of his mind. He's taking charge by raising his voice, both hands on the table in a dominating manner, holding eye contact.

The table is shocked. It's a behaviour that is completely out of character for such a put together guy. John is looking down in shame, his hands together, he appears fearful. Was this the reaction he really wanted? It's far more scary, possibly. Maybe this suggests he was completely right. John's mother (Kathy Bates) is frozen and appears anxious. Not fully turned towards Frank but only looking at his slightly from one angle. April is disconnected, shes fed up and possibly just as humiliated.

Like as John did earlier, Frank starts pointing the finger at John. Turning the accusations on him. John is still leaning in close, hands on the table to hold the attention and power in the room. His eyes are no longer looking away, they're fixed firmly on John.

Even when John's mother defends him, Frank has had enough. He turns the anger towards her as well. This is no longer a discussion, this is an aggressive fight and he is not ashamed to defend himself and his decisions against anyone - even the audience that he has been performing for all his life. He is defensive and enraged. His ego must survive through all of this. This shot provides an interesting description of the power struggles within this particular marriage. April does not speak up once. She is submissive to the situation where as Frank is fighting for control.

Frank points at John furiously, almost like he's coming as close to John as possible - luckily there's a dining table between them. He points outwards, demanding he keeps his opinions in the 'insane asylum' as they are completely outrageous and unwelcome here. Frank can't stop looking at him - a total contrast to the beginning of this scene. He want's him out of his home and his brain. His whole life has been exposed. Frank backs off after letting all that anger out. He backs out of the shot, becoming smaller and also visibly looking to flee the scene. He looks back at both John and his mother, maybe in some way he is apologetic, but what is certain is that he done and exhausted. He exits the shot away from them - reinforcing John's suspicions about Frank. He is a coward.