Leo is King

I wouldn't have really bothered to revive my blog but for Leonardo DiCaprio's breathtaking performance in Sam Mendes-directed Revolutionary Road. It hit me like a rude bomb on a placid night.

That Leo was the best among today's young actors was never in doubt. But in this film, he imbues his role with raw intensity, vulnerability and passion and elevates it to a new dimension. For me, Leo made a statement that he has few peers to challenge his throne as Hollywood's most versatile actor today--on a par with the greats like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Jack Nicholson.

The film is dark, depressing and stark as it goes about narrating a tale of crumbling relationship between a husband and wife, played by Kate Winslet. But Leo steals the show in every scene, pulling you into his world of dreams, emotions and frustrations. My heart cried out many times during the film as I watched Leo's Frank being tossed about by the whirligigs of life and marriage.

I don't recommend this film to all. But this film is a showcase for the directorial ability of the gifted British film maker Mendes (who vowed audiences with Road to Perdition and American Beauty) and the powerhouse talent of DiCaprio (Blood Diamond, Gangs of New York, Catch Me If Your Can, The Aviator, The Departed).