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Revolutionary Road

Date: Feb 11 2009

Themes: History, Romance, Work

Grammar: Passive Voice

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Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

A decade after they stole our hearts with Titanic, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are starring in another movie together. But anyone expecting Titanic 2 is likely to be disappointed. In Revolutionary Road, Kate and Leo play an unhappy couple struggling to escape the monotony of suburbia. Despite their efforts to save their marriage, it’s as doomed as a sinking ship.

Revolutionary Road has gotten positive reviews from critics. Kate Winslet even earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in the film. But most people who’ve seen it say it’s hard to watch because the story is so sad. Listen to Devan tell Beren what award she thinks it should win.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Beren

Devan

Beren: Devo, have you seen Revolutionary Road?

Devan: I did. It should win the Oscar for most depressing movie of the year.

Beren: Really? That’s what everybody is saying. They’re saying it’s really, really depressing. Nobody wants to go see a story about the American dream being shattered.

Devan: It was really, really good, but I don’t whole-heartedly encourage people to see it, because it just…Anyone that’s ever lived or grew up in suburbia and, you know, anyone that has just some regular job that’s like being a slave to the daily grind...anyone who’s a homemaker or paper-pusher, you can relate to that movie. And it just…It’s just very sad. It’s just about this couple, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio...

Beren: Oh back together! After Titanic...

Devan: Yeah, they both like have big aspirations in life, and want to get out of America and go to Paris. But then they just start getting stuck in the monotony of life and start realizing that they aren’t achieving their dreams, and…you know…They just become despondent, and it hurts their relationship, and it’s just very sad.

Beren: That’s a ringing endorsement. Thanks.

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Discussion

Even though Devan thinks Revolutionary Road is a well-made film, she doesn’t entirely recommend seeing it because it’s so depressing. She says it might be especially hard to watch for anyone who can identify with the main characters, who hate living in suburbia and wish they could escape the daily grind.

Beren is excited about the idea of seeing Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet star in a new movie together. In Revolutionary Road, they play a couple who have big dreams, which they never achieve. Devan explains that the film is not very romantic. In fact, it’s a tragic story. After hearing Devan’s description of the film, Beren isn’t sure she wants to see it.

Would you like to see a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in it, even if it’s sad? Have you ever wanted to escape the daily grind?

Comments

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Souza

Brazil

After reading this lesson, I have no doubt that I will see that movie , because I think some couples all over the world live this kind of situation.

Cedro

Germany

This film seems to be unusual. It doesn't represent the typical American "achieving dreams with much effort" philosophie, it rather represents the trail how to fail. But anyway, I think to grow and to become more responsible according you and others in life, you should see that movie. Maybe you will notice, want in life is really important.

Do you agree?

jöntürk

Turkey

ı actually like the film that which play Leo and Kate togeter so on Titanic. Despite ı didn't see movie yet. ı want to see it even if it sad. at least ı can learn how is oppressive life. is there any different strrugle for life.

don't forget it every movie offer you a story. film, as a story, we can take lesson.

Maplewei

China

I think the movie is like our life.I pay more attention on the process than the result.I just enjoy the gut of the movie whatever the endding is sad or others.

I like Leo and Kate's movie.I will watch the movie when I have time.I think it will give me suprise

Athan

China

You can never escape from daily grind unless you are dead,so all you can do is to face it!And as for Leonardo and Winslet’s Titanic is classical,we shouldn’t treat this movie with a feeling about what they did in Titanic.

romeo0555

Ukraine

I think that everyone wants to escape from daily grind but only few managed to escape. Escape from boring routine can be found in active way of life and constant increase you adrenalin level

Naomi1010

Taiwan

I have watched this movie and loved it!! It’s kind of movie that makes people think how to balance family and work.

lulu6151

China

where u want to escape. anywhere on the earth is same . if someone cannt face his own life besides die no any other choice. i really deep felt about it and my family always knock my heart to notice hows important is reality.

Leonsy

United Arab Emirates

well i like to see movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet but actually i also like the story to be good and interesting to watch them or the movie.

Have you ever wanted to escape the daily grind? every one like to escape from the daily grind, but i think sometimes its diffecult so we have to face it than trying to escape.

hanenzayed

Egypt

Although I did not see the movie But the idea of watching the two stars together encourage me to watch

kukuka

Ukraine

Every day of my life i have a strong will to escape the daily grind, but as a grown-up i do understand that it's almost impossible…relax and enjoy available things – that's my recipe.

Amanda_baby

China

To be frank,I have watched the movie shortly after it was released,and the reason is so simple that I want to see Leo and Kate,the guys who has truly stolen our hearts in Titanic_{~But it is not so good as I expected,yeah,there is no denying it is a depressing story}~

Hughes

Taiwan

Agree! comedy always makes me release. however, I shall I will expect their performance

xiaoxiao1219

China

I don't like sad movies and stories too, it make me feel bad usually, but only these kind of movies and stories can make me remember for a long time.

Truc

Viet Nam

I'm usually stressed on my job, so I love to see funny movies which can make me laugh and relax

sophie duan

China

I don't like the movies with bad & sad endings neither.

But i like Leo and i want to see his play on this movie, so i will see this movie when i have time!

dalisay

Philippines

I don't want to see movies with sad endings. They make me depressed for days and kept thinking about it why did that happen. But I want to see Leo and Kate with their new movie because im a big fan of "Rose and Jack Dawson". So i am going to ready myself for another depressing days.