MovieChat Forums > Revolutionary Road (2009) Discussion > Alcoholics?

Alcoholics?

posted 7 years ago by urbanlegend23
2 replies | jump to latest

Let me just start by saying this movie is grossly underrated and one of my all time favourites. I'm watching it again at the moment and I've just noticed there seem to be hints to both April and Frank having an alcohol problem.

Near the beginning of the film, April is seen taking out the trash. Mendes makes a point of showing her throwing away several large bottles of alcohol. She then rumenates on 'happier times'.

I noticed that frequently throughout the rest of the film the two are seen casually drinking together, especially when they are happy around one another (a rare occurrence in the film, needless to say!). Are they jovial/able to stand one another due to slight inebriation?

Were Frank and April alcoholics? Or did they have a substance abuse problem, that contributed to the dissolution of their marriage?

[–] Tabbycat (748) 5 years ago

The entire movie has everyone not just drinking, but drinking martinis — multiple shots of pure alcohol. When Frank first takes his office filly out, he orders two rounds of them. That’s a lot of hooch for a young woman, who mentions being drunk before even finishing her second.

I’m not an expert on mid-50’s drinking, but from what I’ve read this seems accurate. The movie makes the point that many drank heavily back then for good reason.

[–] snepts (11123) 5 years ago

I have the impression drinking during lunch was normal back then. I enjoy drinking a lot, but I never mix alcohol and work, especially hard alcohol. I don't mind sipping on a cheap beer at home if I have to work in the afternoon, but I really don't want to be buzzed if I'm trying to conduct business. I'm glad i wasn't around back then. I think my Dad was like this.