Every Sam Mendes Movie Ranked From Worst To Best

5. Revolutionary Road

Revolutionary Road Leonardo DiCaprio Kate Winslet
DreamWorks

If some critics dinged this sumptuous adaptation of Richard Yates' novel for being something of a thematic retread of Mendes' own American Beauty, it was tough to argue with the magnificent, Oscar-worthy performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchett - neither of who were nominated, bafflingly - as a couple struggling to work through intense suburban ennui.

Kathy Bates and Michael Shannon are also very good here - the latter receiving a Best Supporting Oscar nomination for his work - in a stately, pared-down drama that might be a little too stagey for its own good, but sings on the strength of its intense emotions and sheer relatability.

And above all else, how ingenious was it to make Leo and Kate's long-awaited Titanic reunion such a bitter and depressing anti-romance?

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.