Revolutionary Road (2008) Movie Script
Subtitle edited by Kitotsky
So, what do you do?
Im studying to be an actress.
You?
Im a longshoreman.
No, I mean really.
I mean...
I mean really too.
Although, starting next Monday, Im
doing something a little more glamorous.
What's that?
Night cashier at a cafeteria.
I dont mean how you make money.
I mean,
what are you interested in?
Honey - if I had the answer to that one,
I bet Id bore us both to death
in half an hour.
Thank God, thats over...
xxx
...And she was very disappointing.
Oh, Frank!
Oh, very nice Frank!
Oh, thanks so much, Mrs. Givings.
I cant tell you how much we enjoyed it.
You have a very talented wife.
Ill pass it along!
Frank!
Hi!
Shes in there...!
I'm about ready
for that drink?
Couple of minutes!
April...?
Sweetheart...?
- Hi.
- Hi.
- You about ready to leave?
- Yeah, yeah.
Ive just got to get this makeup off.
Well... I guess it wasnt
a triumph or anything, was it?
I guess not.
Ill be ready in a minute.
Take your time.
Listen, will you do me a favor?
Milly and Shep wanted us
to go out with them after.
Will you say we cant?
Say its because of the baby sitter
or something?
Well, the thing is, I already
said that we could. I mean...
I just saw them and I said we would.
Then would you mind going out again
and saying you were mistaken?
That should be
simple enough.
Dont you think thats a little bit
rude, April?
Well Ill tell them myself.
Okay.
Okay.
Take it easy.
All right?
Ill tell them.
I mean it, baby.
You were the only person in that play.
Thank you.
We shouldve let you get mixed up
in the damned thing. It's all.
All right.
A bunch of amateurs.
I mean, youve studied for Christs sake.
Could we stop talking
about it now?
- Sure.
I just dont want you feeling
bad about it, thats all,
because its not worth it, you know?
Its bad enough having to live out here
among these damn people -
- Whatd you say?
- I said yes. All right, Frank.
Could you just stop talking about it now,
before you drive me crazy, please?
What are you doing?
April...
Sweetheart...
Let's talk about this, okay?
Please, don't do that.
Come on now.
Dont touch me.
April... April...
You just... LEAVE ME ALONE!
Okay.
Okay.
It strikes me, that theres a
considerable amount of bullshit...
going on here, and there is just
a few things, that Id like to clear up.
All right?
Number one:
Its not my fault the play was lousy.
Okay?
Number two:
Its sure as hell not my fault
that you didnt turn out
to be an actress,
and the sooner you get over that
little piece of soap opera
the better off well both be.
Number three:
I dont happen to fit the role of dumb,
insensitive suburban husband,
youve been trying to leave that
crap on me ever since we moved out here.
and I'm damn before wear.
Number four:
April...
April!
April...
What the hell are you doing?
Get back to the car.
No.
I will xxx
Just let me stand here for a second.
Goddamnit.
April...
Can you please, just get back
in the car, and talk about this,
instead of running all over Route 12?
Havent I made it clear I dont
particularly want to talk about it?
Okay. I mean, Jesus, Im trying to be
nice about this thing. For God's sake.
How kind of you.
How terribly, terribly kind of you.
Wait a minute.
I dont deserve this.
Youre always so wonderfully definite,
on the subject of...
- what you do and dont deserve?
- Wait a minute!
Wait a goddamn...
April, now you listen to me.
This is one time
you're not gonna get away with twisting
everything that I say, April.
This just happen to be
one goddamn time.
I know I'm not the wrong here.
Christ, I wish youd
stayed home tonight!
You know what you are,
whe you are like this, April?
Youre sick.
I really mean that.
Youre sick!
And you know
what you are?
What?
- Youre disgusting.
- Oh yeah?
You don't bully me, Frank.
Just because youve got me
safely in this little trap,
you think you can bully me
into feeling whatever you want!
- In a trap! You in a trap!
- Yeah. Yeah.
- Jesus!
- Me, Frank. Me!
Don't make me laugh.
Pathetic so xxx little boy.
Look at you!
Look at you and tell me,
how by any stretch of the imagination
you can call yourself a man!
What?
Damn!
Oh, Jesus Christ!
Dont look at me like that, April.
Could we please go home now?
Daily News.
Daily News.
Yes, thanks, sir.
Daily News.
Thank you.
Fifteenth floor.
Im going to need your help
this morning, Old Scout.
For the next few hours, youre to
warn me of Bandys every approach
and you may need to shield me
from public view in the likely event
that avoid my stomach.
Its that bad.
Morning, Jack.
Nothing good about it,
I assure you.
Of course, I knew the moment you stepped
off the train what you were looking for...
A small remodeled barn,
or a carriage house.
And I just hate to be
the one to tell you
that sort of thing just isnt
available anymore...
But I dont want you to despair.
There is one place up here
I wanna show you...
Now of course it isnt very
desirable at this end.
As you see,
Crawford Road is mostly these little
cinder-blocky, pick-up trucky places.
Plumbers, carpenters,
little local people of that sort.
But eventually...
Eventually it leads up
to Revolutionary Road,
which is much nicer.
Now, the place I want to show you,
is a sweet little house
and a sweet little setting.
Simple, clean lines,
good lawns, marvelous for children.
Its just around this next curve...
Now, youll see it.
There.
See the little white one?
Sweet, isnt it?
The perky way it sits
there on its little slope?
Charming, isnt it?
Oh, yes.
You wanted to see me?
Came for you from Toledo this morning.
This is the third one this month.
- Sorry. I thought Id taken care...
- Im not prepared to have this...
this conversation again, Frank.
You understand?
- I was literaly just getttin...
- These folks in the provinces look up to us.
We need to be efficient. We cant have
this kind of back and forth, and so forth.
Its just not efficient.
Am I Right?
Yes.
What was that about?
Toledo.
Branch manager wants a revised brochure
for the conference on The Knox 500.
Its just not efficient.
Am I right? Am I right? Am I right?
Sounds like a goodie.
For God's sake. I dont even know
what the Knox 500 does... Do you?
Dont insult me.
if youll look in the inactive file
under SP-1109.
youll find copies of all the stuff
we sent to the agency..
and that way we can trace
the thing back to its...
To its original sources.
I hope you werent planning
on an early lunch.
No.
Im not really hungry.
Good. Ill check on you later.
All right?
Okay.
Okay.
You know something, Maureen?
Youre lucky you met me.
Oh? How's that?
I think I can show you the ropes,
you know.
Theres certain art to survival at Knox.
Really.
Let me show you what I mean.
Waiter.
Bring me the telephone would you?
And two more martinis.
Clondike 55566, please.
Hello Mrs. Jorgensen.
Frank Wheeler here.
Yes. I just wanted to let you know,
that Ive had to send Maureen Grube
down to Visual Aides for me.
Ill probably need her the
rest of the afternoon.
Yes.
You too.
Take care now.
I've never even heard of Visual Aides.
Thats because...
It doesnt exist.
Hi, Helen.
Come on in.
Oh, I cant stay a minute...
I just wanted to bring
this sedum plantings
for that messy patch
down by the front yard.
It's like the europian house league
Only these have the most marvelous
little yellow blossoms.
Now all it wants for the first few day
is just a tiny dollop of water
and youll find it absolutely thrives.
Oh. Thank you, Helen.
It's so kind of you.
Would you like some coffee?
Is there something
I can do for you, Helen?
Oh... I almost forgot.
There's a small favor Id like to ask...
It's about...
It's about my son, John.
Hes been in the hospital.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Is everything all right?
Well, actualy...
It's just for the time being.
He's in... Pleasent Brook.
Psychiatric.
Oh.
Oh, I see.
Oh... Nothing serious.
He's just got a little run down.
Things can just get the better of us
sometimes.
Don't you agree?
Yes.
Of course.
It's a marvellous facility.
And the treatments seem to be doing
wonders for him...
Anyway,
they said getting out for an afternoon
might do him a little bit good.
I think he finds my friends a
little conventional, quite frankly
I mean, hes travelled.
He has a PhD in mathematics.
I suppose you could say
hes an intellectual.
It would do him a world of good to
meet a young couple like you.
We'd love to meet him.
Really?
Yes.
We'd love to.
Thank you, dear.
Thank you.
Well...
I must be off.
I remember the first day
you came off the train.
You werent like my other clients.
You were different.
You just seemed...
Special...
Of course you still are.
Remember...
Just the dollop xxx xxx
Bye.
I think you got me a little drunk.
You know what today is?
...Monday?
Its my birthday.
Im thirty years old today.
Happy birthday!
Thank you.
What was the name of that, um...
department you made up again?
Visual...
Visual Aides.
...What-a-joke.
What-a-joke.
Oh my...
Do you wanna hear a real joke...?
Yes.
My old man worked at Knox.
Yeah?
He was a salesman in Yonkers.
Oh.
Once a year,
he used to take me to the city for lunch.
It was supposed to be a very special,
life-advice sort of occasion.
Nice.
No.
Not really.
I used to sit there and think.
"I hope to Christ
I dont end up like you."
Now here I am,
a thirty year old Knox man.
Can you beat that?
I think I kind of lost you...
Your father worked for Knox...?
I'm sorry.
Everythings kinda...
...going out of focus
Why don't we get some air?
You with me?
Is this you?
Yeah.
You've been to Paris?
Ive never really been anywhere.
Maybe Ill take you with me then.
Im going back first chance I get.
I tell you.
People are alive there.
I like here.
All I know April is...
I wanna feel things.
Really feel them.
You know?
Hows that for an ambition...?
Frank Wheeler?
I think youre the most
interesting person
Ive ever met.
Guess this wasnt what you had in mind
when you went to work this morning?
No. It's really wasn't.
Do you have a cigarette, Frank?
Yeah, sure.
There you go.
Can I get you a drink or anything?
No thanks, Maureen.
Actually it's...
Its getting kind of late.
I guess I...
I guess Id better be cutting out.
Oh. Gee.
That's right.
Did you miss your train?
Thats all right.
Ill catch the next one.
Listen,
you were swell.
Take care now.
Frank...
Why are you all dressed up?
First of all,
I missed you all day
and I wanna say Im sorry.
Im sorry for the way
Ive been since that stupid play.
Im sorry for everything.
And I love you.
For the rest of life. xxx
Now, you...
Just wait here till I call you. Okay?
Okay.
Alright Frank!
You can come in now!
"Happy Birthday to you."
"Happy Birthday to you."
"Happy Birthday dear Daddy."
"Happy Birthday to you."
Happy Birthday, Darling.
I love you, daddy.
I love you too.
Frank.
Frank.
I have had the most wonderful idea.
Ive been thinking about it all day.
Baby, whats all this about?
You know how much money
we have saved...?
Enough to live on for six months
without you earning another dime.
And with the money we could get from
the house and the car, longer than that.
What we get for the house...
Sweetheart, what are you talking about?
Where are we going to live?
Paris.
What?
You always said
it was the only place
youd ever been,
that you wanna to go back to.
The only place that was worth living.
So why dont we go there?
Youre serious?
Yes.
Whats stopping us?
Whats stopping us?
Well, I can think of a number
of different things.
For example, what kind of a job
could I possibly get?
You wont be getting any kind of job,
because I will.
Oh, right.
Right.
Dont laugh at me.
Listen to me.
Do you know what they pay
for secretarial positions in the
government agencies in Europe?
No. I don't.
Listen Frank, Im serious about this.
- Do you think Im kidding or something?
- Okay.
I just have a couple of questions,
is all.
For one thing,
what exactly am I supposed to be doing
while youre out earning all this money?
Dont you see,
thats the whole idea?
Youll be doing what you shouldve been
allowed to do seven years ago.
Youll have time.
For the first time in your life
youll have time to find out
what it is that you actually want to do,
and when you figure it out,
youll have the time and the freedom...
to start doing it.
Sweetheart,
its just not very realistic, is all.
No, Frank.
This is what's unrealistic.
Its unrealistic for a man with
a fine mind to go on working
year after year at a job he cant stand,
coming home to a place he cant stand,
to a wife whos equally unable
to stand the same things.
You want to know the worst part?
Our whole existence here is based
on this great premise,
that were... special...
and superior to the whole thing.
But we're not.
Were just like everyone else.
Look at us! Weve bought into
the same ridiculous delusion.
This idea that you have to
resign from life
and settle down
the moment you have children.
And weve been punishing
each other for it.
Listen,
we decided to move out here.
No one ever forced me to
take the job at Knox.
I mean who ever said I was supposed
to be a big deal, anyway?
When I first met you...
there was nothing in the world
you couldnt do or be.
When you first met me, I was a little
wise guy with a big mouth.
- That's all.
- You were not.
How can you even say that?
Okay.
Okay, so...
I'll have time.
And God knows thats appealing.
It's...
Its very appealing.
Everything you say make sense if...
If I had definite talent.
If I were a writer or an artist...
Listen.
Listen to me.
Its what you are thats being stifled.
Its what you are thats
being denied and denied,
in this kind of life.
And whats that?
Dont you know...?
Youre the most beautiful
and wonderful thing in the world...
Youre a man.
This is our chance, Frank
This is our one chance.
Okay.
Okay?
Why not?
Why the hell not?
All right.
All right. All right.
We're going to be fine.
Morning all.
Morning, Frank.
Ah, Franklin.
Good to see your shining face.
What's the news.
Fellas...
Im moving to Paris.
Indeed.
And Im moving to Tangiers.
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
...Intra-company letter to Toledo...
Attention...
B.F. Chalmers, branch manager...
With regard to recent and
repeated correspondence,
this is to advise that the matter
has been...
very satisfactorily taken in hand,
period, paragraph.
We wholly agree that the existing
brochure is unsuitable.
To this end we have developed thought...
"Speaking of Production Control..."
Here you are Mrs. Wheeler:
Heres the travellers checks
you requested...
and your steamer reservations...
and these Ill pass on
to the embassy for you.
Good luck.
Thank you.
September.
October at the outside.
I just happen to think people are
better off doing some kind of work
they actually like.
Right, right, yes.
I mean, assuming there is
a true vocation waiting for you.
Wouldnt you be just as likely
to discover it here as there?
I dont thinkits possible
to discover anything
on the fifteenth floor
of the Knox building,
and I dont think any of you do either.
Daddy, Daddy, Daddy...
Daddy?
Michael...
Daddy, will you read it?
Yes.
...All the way to... here.
We have to take a big boat ride
across the sea to get there.
But I wont know anybody there.
Oh, I know.
I know. Neither will I.
But remember how you fell
when you started school?
And now look how many
friends you have...
Youll never guess
what they eat in Paris.
You'll never
guess...
- What?
- What?
Slimy Snails.
Snails?!
Slimy snails and eaten frogs legs!
Milly?
Where are you, doll?
Oh, you'd better get changed,
theyll be here soon.
That what you're wearing?
Don't you like it?
Yeah.
You look great, doll.
Guess I better haul ass.
Hey kids.
What time it is?
Hiya gang.
It's two thousands, two hundred...
What you're watching?
Starring Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob.
Shep?
I was calling and calling you...
Hi.
Here we go.
Some little something.
Oh those look great.
Im starving!
April...
I can't get over it -
you look like the cat
that ate the canary!
Do you have something to tell us?
Just a little bit of news?
Well, actualy Milly, we...
We do have some important news. Yes.
I knew it.
Honey, why don't you tell them?
Were going to Europe.
To Paris.
To live.
What?
When?
In september.
But what for?
What for?
Well...
Well, because...
Because weve always wanted to.
Because the kids are young enough.
Because its beautiful.
I mean really.
I mean, Shep, you've been there.
You tell her.
Yeah.
It's great city.
Yeah.
When did you make this decision?
About a week ago...
its hard to remember.
We just suddenly decided to go,
thats all.
About a week ago,
and you tell us now!
Yeah. We had to get used to the idea.
So, whats the deal, Frank?
You get a job over there, or what?
No, no.
Not exactly.
What do you mean, "not exactly?"
Frank wont be getting
any kind of a job,
because I will.
So what are you gonna do, Frank?
Im gonna study, you know...
I'm gonna read...
I suppose Im gonna...
finally figure out what I wanna do
with my life, Shep.
...While she supports you?
Yes.
While she supports me...
In the beginning.
You wouldnt believe what they pay
for secretarial work
in those government agencies over there.
NATO and E.C.A. and those places.
The cost of living is dirt cheap, right?
So cheap.
The truth is we just need
something different.
Were not getting any younger and
we dont want life to just pass us by.
That's right.
Gee, it sounds wonderful, kids.
I mean it.
It really sounds wonderful.
Thank you, Milly.
Thank you.
Well certainly miss you, though -
wont we, sweetie?
- Golly.
- Sure.
We'll miss you too.
- Of course.
- Sure.
We should have a toast or something.
???
To Paris.
To Paris.
To Paris.
To Paris.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
You know what I think?
What?
I think this whole plan
sounds a little immature.
Oh God, Im so relieved.
Me too...
I was thinking that the whole time.
I mean, what kind of man
is gonna sit around
in his bathrobe all day,
picking his nose
- while his wife goes out in works?
- I don't know, Shep.
I just don't know.
Why're you crying?
What's the matter?
It's nothing.
I'm just so relieved.
Shep.
Don't cry.
Please.
Its all right.
Everything's gonna be all right.
Okay.
Oh my god, their faces!
Oh God!
Oh God!
You know what this is like, April?
Honestly.
Just talking like this?
The whole idea of going off to Europe
this way?
This is the way I felt going up
to the line the first time,
in the war.
I mean. I was probably just as scared
as everyone else, but...
But inside I never felt better.
I felt...
I felt alive.
I felt full of blood.
I felt...
Everything just...
Everything seemed more real.
The guys in their uniforms.
The snow on the fields, the trees.
And all of us...
All of us just... walking.
I mean I was scared of course, but
I just kept thinking: this is it.
You know?
This is the truth.
I felt that way once too.
When?
First time you made love to me.
All right, April.
What's up?
Bart Pollock's here.
Hes in Bandys office.
Big deal, huh?
Looks like he wants to talk to you.
Hey...
Keep my name out of it.
Frank.
Good to see you.
You know Bart Pollock?
Well, we never met, but...
- Of course I...
- Glad to know you, Frank.
Speaking of production control?
Frank...
This is a crackerjack.
Theyre just tickled to death in Toledo.
Really?
So this guy Pollock was perfect
Presidential material in the worst sense.
A million dollar smile and about three
pounds of muscle between his ears.
April, you should've heard this guy.
"Frank, this is a crackerjack."
What a horses ass.
Wish I've seen his face
when you told him you were leaving.
Yeah.
Here they come.
- Sorry to be late.
- Youre not late.
The traffic was terrible.
- You didnt have to do that.
- Good to see you.
- Good to see you.
- Wasnt it terrible, Howard?
Route 12.
About the time they finish
that stretch of road,
theyll have to start all over again,
right?
And you must be John?
Say hello, John.
Nice to meetcha.
Heard a lot aboutcha.
Where are your darling children?
Theyre at a birthday party.
Sorry they couldnt be here.
Dont worry. If I had a certified
lunatic coming around my house,
Id probably get the kids
out of the way too.
Look at all this food!
You didnt have to go
to any trouble for us.
Its just some sandwiches.
John, would you like a sandwich?
Helens been talking it up about you
people for months.
The nice young Wheelers on
Revolutionary Road,
the nice young revolutionaries
on Wheeler road.
Would anyone like some Sherry?
Please, dont bother Frank.
Id like some sherry.
And Ill drink Helens too.
if she doesnt beat me to it.
Oh, hey...
You got a high-ball glass...?
Put a couple-three ice cubes in it,
pour it up to the brim.
Thats the way I like it.
I think I can handle that.
This egg salad is delicious, April.
You must tell me how you fix it.
You a lawyer Frank?
No.
No, Im not.
I could use a lawyer.
John, lets not get started again
about the lawyer.
Pop, couldnt you just sit there
and eat your wonderful egg salad,
and quit horning in?
See...
Ive got a good many questions to ask
and Im willing to pay for the answers...
Now, I dont need to be told that a man
who goes after his mother
with a coffee table is
putting himself in a weak
position legally; thats obvious.
John, come and have a look out this
fabulous picture window.
If he hits her with it and kills
her, thats a criminal case.
Oh, look, the suns coming out!
If all he does is break the coffee table
and give her a certain amount of aggravation
and she decides to go to court over it,
thats a civil case.
Maybe well have a rainbow!
- John, come have a look.
- Ma, how about doing everybody a favor?
How about shutting up!
Seddle down, now.
Maybe I can look into it.
Recommend someone.
What you say?
So...
What do you do, Frank?
I work for
Knox Business Machines factory.
You design the machines?
Nope.
Make 'em, sell 'em, repair 'em?
All these questions.
I help sell them, I guess I...
I work in the office.
Actually, it's...
It's a sort of a stupid job really.
There's...
nothing interesting about it at all.
Whaddya do it for then?
Maybe Frank doesnt like
to be questioned like this...
Okay, okay. Okay.
I know its none of my business.
And besides,
I know the answer.
You want to play house,
you got to have a job.
You want to play very nice house,
very sweet house,
then you got to have a job
you dont like.
Anyone comes along and says
"Whaddya do it for?"
Hes probably on a four-hour pass
from the State funny farm.
All agreed..?
Ma..?
Sorry Frank.
No. Dont be.
Dont be.
Actually, John, I agree with...
everything you just said.
We both do. Thats why Im quitting
the job in the fall. We're...
Were taking off.
Were moving to Paris.
Did you know about this, Ma...?
Wow.
How do you feel about that, Ma?
"The nice young Wheelers."
The nice young Wheelers.
Are taking off!
John, please.
Steady down, son.
John.
John!
How about some fresh air,
what you say?
If thats all right with you?
I dont know if it's such a good idea.
...If John wants to,
I dont see the harm.
Good.
Do you..?
I hear youre a mathematician.
You hear wrong.
Its all gone now.
All gone?
You know what electrical shock
treatments are?
Yes.
Yes I do.
Ive had thirty-seven.
Supposed to jolt out the
"Emotional Problems."
Just jolted out the mathematics.
How awful.
"How awful..."
Why?
Because mathematics is so "interesting?"
No. Because the shocks
must be awful and...
Well, because its awful not to be able
to do what it is you want to do.
I think mathematics must be dull.
I like your girl, Frank.
Me too.
So, what do a couple of people like
you have to run away from?
Were not running.
So whats in Paris?
A different way of life.
Maybe we are running...
Were running from the hopeless
emptiness of the whole life here, right?
The hopeless emptiness?
Now, youve said it.
Plenty of people are on
to the emptiness, but...
it takes real guts to see
the hopelessness...
Wow.
You know,
hes the first person who seemed to know
what we were talking about.
Well...
Thats true, isn't it?
Maybe we are just as crazy as he is.
If being crazy means...
living life as it matters
then I dont care
if we are completely insane.
Do you?
No.
I love you so much.
Tell you something, Frank.
That Ted Bundy,
nice guy,
real sport.
xxx
Im a little sore at the way hes kept
you under a bushel all these years.
This place okay, for you?
Oh, it's just fine, sir.
Just fine.
One thing interests me, Frank,
and one thing only:
selling the electronic computer
to the American businessman...
Thats why Im assembling a team.
Men like you,
not your average salesmen...
It will mean more money,
and I got to be honest,
maybe more of a time commitment,
but youll be a part of something
exciting, Wheeler...
Computers.
Well, sir...
It sounds exciting.
Bart!
Bart....
Bart, let me ask you a question.
Do you happen to remember
an Earl Wheeler?
Out of Yonkers?
Cant say that I do.
Relation of yours?
My father.
He worked as a salesman for Knox
almost twenty years.
Earl Wheeler...
Earl Wheeler...
There's no reason you would remember.
Well, Im sure he was a good man.
Listen, Bart, there is...
Theres something
I should have mentioned earlier...
Im gonna be leaving the firm.
In the fall.
Another outfit?
No. No, it's not another outfit.
Now look, Frank.
Is it a question of money?
Because if it is, theres no reason
we cant get together on a satisfactory---
Oh. I appreciate that, but no, it's...
Its not money. It's...
Well, it's more...
more of personal thing.
I hope you understand.
A personal thing?
I see.
Frank, let me tell you something
my father told me...
A man only gets
a couple of chances in life.
If he doesnt grab em by the balls,
it wont be long before
he sitting around wondering
how he got to be second rate.
I guess so.
So, do me a favour...
Sleep on it.
Discuss it with your wife.
Because lets be honest: where the hell would
any of us be without our wives, anyway?
And Frank, in all sincerity,
if you do decide to join us,
I believe itll be a thing
youll never regret.
And I believe something else, too.
I believe itd be a fine memorial
to your Dad.
Think about it Frank.
Really think about it.
Knowing what youve got,
comma,
knowing what you need,
comma,
Knowing what you can do without,
dash.
Thats inventory control.
Knowing what youve got,
comma,
knowing what you need,
comma,
Knowing what you can do without,
dash.
Thats inventory control.
Working late?
Yeah.
I got to dig myself out here.
I heard you were getting promoted.
Big shot.
I guess your Dad would
have been real proud, huh?
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess so...
So maybe I should take you
for a drink or something?
You know...?
Celebrate.
Yeah. Maybe.
Ill just get my things.
Im going to take my doll carriage
and my three Easter rabbits
and my giraffe
and all my dolls and my doll house
and my...
I thought maybe we'd give
the doll house to Madeline.
I dont wanna give
the doll house to Madeline.
But I already explained to you, the big
things are going to be hard to pack.
But she can have my bear,
- and my three Easter rabbits...
- No. Just the big things.
Look, wouldnt you rather
go outside and play with Michael.
I dont feel like it.
- Youve been inside all day.
- I dont feel like it!
Well I dont feel like explaining
everything fifteen times
to somebody whos too bored
and silly to listen!
All right, April, what's the matter?
Nothing.
I dont believe you.
Did something happen this morning?
Nothing happened today that I havent
known about for days and days.
What?
Oh, God, Frank,
please dont look so dense.
Do you mean you havent guessed
or anything?
April, what are you talking about?
Im pregnant, thats all.
What?
Frank, I meant to wait until
the kids went to tell you,
But I just...
Ive been pretty sure all week
and today I went to the Doctor
and now I cant even pretend
its not true.
Gee... How long?
Ten weeks.
Ten weeks?
Ten weeks and you wait
until now to tell me?
I thought...
Oh, I dont know what I thought.
Im sorry, Frank.
Im so sorry.
I know, I know you are.
All right?
There are things we can do.
We dont have to let this stop us
from going, do we?
Remember that girl at school
I told you about...?
As long as we care about it
before 12 weeks, its fine.
Weve got to be together in this, Frank.
Well.
Well figure it out.
All right?
Come here.
time to decide, right?
Right.
I love you.
...I love you too.
I got you Michael.
So, Frank, hows work?
They gonna survive without you?
Actually... Something kinda funny
happened the other day.
I did some dumb little piece of work
to get myself off the hook with Bandy,
and...
suddenly Im The Bright Young Man.
Thats always the way, isnt it?
Its incredible.
I mean, I knocked this thing off
in a couple of minutes and now
they want me to join their
team of "specialist" salesmen.
Morons.
Well, itd be funny, if they werent
offering so much damn money.
So, you tempted?
Well...
This is kind of ironic, dont you think?
I thought you turned the job down?
Not yet.
Its just an option, thats all.
With the kind of money theyre talking,
things could be different for us here.
We could get a better place.
Travel.
Look, the point is: We could be
happy here. At least for a while.
It is possible that Parisians
arent the only ones capable
with leading interesting lives, April.
So, youve made up your mind?
No.
No.
Like I said, its just an option.
That's all.
...And supposing youre right.
You make all this money and we have this
interesting life here.
Wont you still be wasting your life
toiling away at a job
you find ridiculous?
Maybe we let that be my business.
All right?
Your buisness?
I can not...
Its too hot for this.
I'm gonna go get wet.
You dont wanna go, do you?
Come on, April.
Of course I do.
No!
You don't!
Because youve never
tried at anything.
And if you dont try at anything
you cant fail.
What the hell do you mean I dont try?
I support you, dont I?
I pay for this house.
I work ten hours a day
at a job I cant stand.
You dont have to!
Shit!
Look, Im not happy about it.
But I have the backbone not to run
away from my responsibilities!
It takes backbone to lead
the life you want, Frank.
- Where are you going?
- If it's alright with you, April...
I'm gonna go use the bathroom.
Okay?
What the hell you're gonna do with this?
And what do you think
youre gonna do?
- You're gonna stop me?
- Youre damn right! I am.
Go ahead and try!
Listen to me.
You do this, April.
You do this and I swear to God I'll...
Youll what?
You leave me?
Is that a threat, or a promise?
When did you buy this, April?
How long have you this? I wanna know!
Jeses Christ! You really are being
melodramatic about this whole thing.
As long as its done in the first
twelve weeks, its perfectly safe.
Thats now April!
Dont I get a say?
Of course you do!
It would be for you, Frank,
dont you see?
So you can have time.
Just like we talked about.
How can it be for me if the thought makes
my stomach turn over? For God's sake.
Then its for me...
Tell me we can have
the baby in Paris, Frank.
Tell me we can have different life,
but dont make me stay here. Please.
We cant have the baby in Paris.
Why not?
I dont need everything we have here.
I dont care where we live!
I mean,
who made these rules, anyway?
Look,
the only reason we moved out here
was because I got pregnant.
Then we had another child to prove
the first one wasnt a mistake.
I mean, how long does it go on?
Frank?
Do you actually want another child?
Well, do you?
Come on.
Tell me.
Tell me the truth, Frank.
Remember that?
We used to live by it.
And you know whats so good
about the truth?
Everyone knows what it is,
however long theyve lived without it.
No one forgets the truth, Frank,
they just get better at lying.
So tell me:
do you really want another child?
All I know is what I feel.
And anyone else in their right mind
would feel the same way, April.
But Ive had two children.
Doesnt that count in my favor?
Christ! The fact that
you even put it that way!
You make it seemed as having children is
some sort of goddamn punishment.
I love my children, Frank.
And youre sure about that?
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
April,
you just said our daughter was mistake.
How do I know you didnt try to get
rid of her or Michael for that matter?
No.
How do I know you didnt try to flush our
entire fucking family down the toilet?
No. That's not true!
Of course I didnt.
But how do I know April?
Please stop.
Please just stop, Frank.
April,
a normal woman, a normal sane mother
doesnt buy a piece of rubber tubing
to give herself an abortion
so she can live out
some kind of God damn fantasy.
Look,
all Im saying is you dont seem
entirely rational about this thing...
And I think it's about time
we found somebody
to help make some sense of your life.
...And the new jobs gonna pay
for that too?
April,
if you need a shrink, it'll be paid for.
Obviously.
Okay.
I guess there isnt much more to say,
then, is there?
So I guess Paris was
a pretty childish idea, huh?
I guess maybe it was.
April,
we can be happy here...
I can make you happy here.
Weve had a great couple of months.
It doesnt need to end...
Were gonna be okay.
I promise.
I hope so Frank.
I really hope so.
Thank you for waiting.
Mr. Pollock can see you now.
Thanks for watch.
Foiled by faulty contraception.
I cant say that Im sorry.
Youd have been sorely missed in
the old cubicle,
I can tell you that.
Wouldnt have been the same without you.
Besides which...
Well...
What?
The plan always seemed
the touch unrealistic,
dont you think?
I suppose, its none of my
business, really.
No, no.
I suppose it isn't.
Well...
Theyll be celebrating
in the secretarial pool.
Hey! Remember the first time
you brought us here?
xxx absoulutely.
You said, it takes a special kind of
taste to enjoy Vitos Log Cabin!
Thats right!
Its so awful its kinda nice!
That's right!
Look at me...!
I'm just so happy.
Little gang is back together again!
How you liked the boys and the band,
weren't they great tonight?
Hey, Europes not going anywhere.
Thats right.
April. Honey.
How about the dance, huh?
Not right now.
- Maybe later.
- I'll dance.
Okay.
I guess shes pretty blue
'bout Paris, huh?
- Think shell be okay?
- Oh, sure.
Give us girls a couple of days
and we can get over anything!
That's right.
Oh, Frank.
Frank...
Frank...
Frank...
You okay?
Are you okay?
Milly?
Oh.
I'm so sorry.
Frank, excuse me.
Oh. That's just great.
What the hell we suppose to get out now?
Oh, boy.
Oh, don't worry about that, Shep.
We can wait. Really.
I've got the sitter.
Listen, why dont you drive Milly home,
then go home yourself?
That takes care of both sitters.
Then Shep can take me home later.
Yeah.
It's fine by me.
Okay then.
You are...
You'll be all right?
Sure.
Okay.
- Good night.
- Good night.
I feel better.
I'm sorry youre not going away anymore.
I know it was important to you.
Dont take this wrong, but...
I've been there and,
they dont have so much
we dont have here.
It didnt have to be Paris.
You just...
wanted out, huh?
I wanted in.
I just...
I just wanted us to live again.
For years I thought
we shared the secret...
that we would be wonderful in the world.
I didnt exactly know how, but just...
just the possibility kept me hoping.
How pathetic is that?
So stupid.
To put all your hopes in a...
in a promise that was never made?
See, Frank knows...
He knows what he wants. He's..
Hes found his place.
Hes just fine.
Married, two kids.
It should be enough.
It is for him.
And he's right.
We were never special...
or destined or anything at all.
Yes, you are.
You are...
Youre The Wheelers.
Youre a terrific couple,
everybody says so.
I saw whole our future.
Can't stop seeing it.
Can't leave.
Can't stay.
No damn use to anyone.
Come on.
Let's do it.
Let me take you somewhere.
No, just...
Just do it here.
Now.
April...
This is what Ive always wanted...
I love you.
Dont say that.
No, I mean it.
I love you.
Please, just...
be quiet for a minute,
then you can take me home.
Its beautiful out.
Yes, it is.
You know what today is?
Its twelve weeks.
Thats right.
Look,
this has been kind of a crazy summer.
We've...
Weve both been under a strain.
I mean,
I understand why you're upset.
You know Im not sleeping with you
and you want to know why?
Im sorry Frank, but I just...
really don't feel like talking about it.
All right.
Then what should we talk about, April?
Would it be all right
if we didnt talk about anything?
I mean, cant we just take each day
as it comes, and...
do the best we can,
and not feel like we have to
talk about everything all the time?
I dont think I'm suggesting that
we talk about everything all the time.
Look,
my point is, weve both been
under a strain.
We ought to be helping each other
as much as we can right now.
And God knows my own behavior has been
pretty weird lately...
As a matter of fact there's something
I'd like to tell you about.
Ive been with a girl few times.
In the city.
A girl I hardly even know.
It was nothing to me,
but...
it's over now.
Really over.
If I werent sure of that I guess
I could never have told you about it.
Why did you?
Baby, I dont know.
I think it was a simple case of
wanting to be a man again
after all that abortion business.
Some kind of neurotic,
irrational need to prove something.
No.
I dont mean why did you have the girl,
I mean,
why did you tell me about it?
What do you mean?
I mean what's the point?
Is it supposed to make me jealous,
or something?
Is it supposed to make me
fall in love with you, or...
back into bed with you, or what?
I mean,
what would you like me to say, Frank?
Why dont you say what you feel, April?
I don't feel anything.
In other words
you dont care what I do or...
or who I fuck or anything?
No.
I guess thats right, I dont.
Fuck who you like.
April,
dont you understand,
that I want you to care.
I know.
I know you do.
And I suppose I would if I loved you.
But I dont think I do anymore
and I only just figured that out.
And thats why Id just as soon
not do any talking right now.
Oh, dont give me this shit, April!
Don't give me that!
You know God damn well you love me!
- You think so?!
- You know GOD DAMN WELL!
Anyone home?
Im sorry dinners late.
Would anyone like another drink?
Oh, dont worry.
Its nice just to sit for a bit
and socialize...
You shouldn't go through
all this trouble.
Now you're packing
and what not.
Imagine how long you were on the plate.
No pan intended.
Actually, theres been a change of plans.
I thought maybe it was obvious...
April here is pregnant.
- Oh.
- Congratulation.
Oh, April!
I cant tell you how pleased I am.
Oh, but I expect youll be needing
a bigger house, now.
- Wont you?
- Hold it a second, Ma.
Hold on a second, Ma.
I don't get this.
I mean,
whats so obvious about it?
I mean,
okay, shes pregnant---
So what?
Dont people have
babies in Europe?
- John. I dont think we need to---
- Suppose we just say...
that people anywhere arent
very well advised
to have babies unless
they can afford them.
Okay.
Okay, its a question of money.
Moneys a good reason...
But...
its hardly ever the real reason.
Whats the real reason?
Wife talk you out of it, or what?
Little woman decide she isnt
quite ready to quit playing house?
Nah, nah, thats not it.
I can tell. She looks too tough
and adequate as hell.
Okay, then.
It mustve been you.
- What happened?
- John, please, youre being very---
Dunno.
What happened, Frank?
You get cold feet?
You decide,
youre better off here after all?
You figure...
...it's more...
...comfy here in old Hopeless Emptiness
after all?
Huh?
Wow, that did it!
Look at his face!
Whats the matter, Wheeler?
Am I getting warm?
All right, son.
I think wed better be---
You know something?
I wouldnt be surprised
if he knocked her up on purpose just
so he could spend the rest of his life
hiding behind that maternity dress.
That way he never have to find out
what hes really made of.
Now look,
I think thats just about enough
out of you.
I mean, who the hell
do you think you are?
You come in here and say whatever crazy
God damn thing comes into your head
and I think its about time someone told
you to keep your God damn mouth shut.
- Hes not well, Frank.
- Not well, my ass!
I dont give a damn if hes sick or well
or dead or alive,
he should keep his fucking opinions
in the fucking insane asylum
where they belong!
Lets go, son.
Come on, John.
Big man you got there, April.
Big family man.
I feel sorry for you.
Still,
maybe you deserve each other.
I mean,
the way you look right now,
Im beginning to feel sorry for him, too.
You must give him a pretty bad time,
if making babies is the only way
he can prove hes got a pair of balls.
- You... fucking..!
- No!
Hes not well, Frank!
All right, John.
Lets get on out to the car now.
April, Im sorry...
I'm so sorry.
Oh, right!
Sorry!
Sorry!
Sorry!
Oh Ma?
Have I said "I'm sorry" enough times?
Damn!
I am sorry, too.
I bet Im just about
the sorriest bastard I know.
But, get right down to it, I dont have
a whole hell of a lot to be glad about,
do I?
Oh, but hey...
You know what?
I'm glad about one thing.
You wanna know what I'm glad about?
Im glad Im not gonna be that kid.
Okay.
Okay, dont tell me.
Dont tell me; let me guess.
I made a Disgusting Spectacle of Myself.
Right?
Right.
And everything that man said is true.
Right? Isnt that what youre gonna say?
Apparently I dont have to.
Youre saying it for me.
But youre wrong, April.
Really?
Why am I wrong?
Because the man is insane.
Hes fucking insane!
You know
what the definition of insanity is?
No!
- Do you?
- Yes!
It's the inability to relate
to another human being.
Its the inability to love.
April...
April...
April!
April!
"The ina..."
"The inability"
Oh, Frank,
you really are a wonderful talker!
If black could be made
into white by talking,
youd be the man for the job.
So now Im crazy
because I dont love you.
Right?
Is that the point?
No.
Wrong.
Youre not crazy and you do love me;
thats the point, April.
But I dont.
I hate you.
Youre just a boy who made me laugh
at a party once
and now I love to aside off you.
In fact if you come any closer,
you touch me or anything,
I think I'll scream.
Come on.
Stop this, April.
Fuck you, April.
Fuck you and all your hateful,
snotty little---
Whatre you gonna do now?
Are you gonna hit me?
To show me
how much you love me?
Dont worry, I cant be bothered!
Youre not worth the trouble
itd take to hit you.
Youre not worth the powder
itd take to blow you up.
Youre an empty...
empty, hollow shell of a woman.
I mean, what the hell are you doing
in my house if you hate me so much?
Why the hell did you marry to me?
What the hell are you carrying my child?
I mean, why didn't you just get rid of it,
when you had the chance for?
Because listen to me,
listen to me, I got news for you:
I wish to God that you had.
April!
April!
April!
April!
April?
April!
April!
Stay away from me.
April, listen...
Stay away from me.
Cant I even get away from you
in the fucking woods?
April, listen, I didnt mean that.
- Honestly; I didnt mean what I said.
- Are you still talking?
Isnt there any way
to stop your talking?
I NEED to think.
Cant you see that?
I need to think.
Please come back to the house.
Whatre you doing out here, April?
You want me to
scream again, Frank?
Because I will,
I mean it!
Okay.
Okay.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Would you like scrambled eggs or fried?
I don't know.
Doesnt really matter.
Scrambled, I guess, if its easy.
Fine.
Ill have scrambled too.
Its kinda nice having breakfast
without the kids for a change.
Yes.
I thought youd probably want
a good breakfast today.
I mean its kind of an important day
for you, isnt it?
Isnt this the day you have
your conference with Pollock?
Yes.
Yes, thats right.
Big deal.
I imagine it is a pretty big deal;
for them, anyway.
What exactly do you think
youll be doing in your new job?
You haven't really told me
much about it.
Havent I?
Well I think this whole thing
is about Knox getting ready
to buy up one of those...
really big computers,
even bigger than the "500."
Did I tell you about that?
No.
Why don't you tell me now?
You know, basically its just a...
a big, fast adding machine.
Only instead of...
mechanical parts, you see,
you've got...
thousands of individual vacuum tubes.
Oh, I see.
At least I think I see.
Yes. Its really kinda
interesting, isnt it?
Oh, I don't know.
Yeah, I guess it is a kind
of interesting, in a way.
You should value what you do Frank.
Youre obviously good at it.
I guess Id better be getting started.
Listen now, April, though...
This was really nice...
I mean it was a swell breakfast.
Really I...
I dont know
when Ive ever had a nicer breakfast.
Thank you...
I enjoyed it too.
Then you dont---
You dont hate me, or anything?
No.
No, of course I dont.
Have a good day.
Okay, then...
So long.
Hello...
Milly?
Everything all right?
Well, no, Im afraid I'm...
Im not feeling any better.
That's really why I called.
If its not an inconvenience for you...
This evening would be great.
What...?
Oh, no.
No.
Not if theyre outdoors playing.
Dont call them in.
Just...
give them each a kiss for me,
and tell them I...
tell them...
Oh, you know---
All right.
All right.
Thank you, Milly.
Bye.
I think I need help....
One one five,
Revolutionary Road.
Frank?
They tell you what happened?
Jesus Christ! Shep, I couldnt even
understand half the things he told me.
He said the fetus was out
before they got her here.
And they had to operate
to take out the whatdycallit,
the placenta and now
she's still bleeding.
I mean...
He said shed lost a lot of blood
before the ambulance came
and you know...
Now theyre trying to stop it.
He said a whole lot of things
I didnt understand about capillaries,
I mean...
He said shes unconscious.
Jesus.
Okay.
Frank, want you take a seat?
What the hell do I want to sit down for!
For God's sake!
Okay, Frank.
Just take it easy.
Take it easy.
Okay, Frank, have a cigarette.
She did it to herself, Shep.
She did it to herself.
I'm gonna get you some coffee.
Really such... wonderful people.
Werent they Shep?
It's just devastating.
- Poor April.
- Thank you.
Frank lives in the city now.
Where is it that he works?
Bart Pollock Associates.
Computers.
Interesting firm.
Have you seen him since?
No.
Not that year.
Too many memories, I think.
Sheps seen him. In the city.
Haven't you, sweety?
Frank is just devoted to those kids.
Every spare moment he has,
he spends with them...
Excuse me.
You all right?
I dont want to talk about
The Wheelers any more.
Okay.
We don't have to.
We don't have to.
Daddy, Daddy watch...
Watch daddy...
I cant tell you how pleased I am about
the little Revolutionary Road place, Howard.
And now whenever I drive past,
it gives me such a lift to see it all
perked up and spanking clean again,
now the lights in all the windows.
And do you know, I was just thinking
Ive loved that little house for years,
and the Braces are the only really
suitable people Ive ever found for it.
Really nice, congenial people, I mean.
Well, except for the Wheelers, you mean.
I was very fond of the Wheelers.
They were a bit whimsical,
for my taste.
A bit neurotic.
I've never stressed it, but they were
often very trying people to deal with,
in many ways.
And actually,
the main reason the little house
was so... hard to sell is,
because that they let it
depreciate so dreadfully.
Warped window frames,
wet cellar,
crayon marks all over the walls,
filthy smudges around the door knob
and the fixtures.
So, what do you do?
Im studying to be an actress.
You?
Im a longshoreman.
No, I mean really.
I mean...
I mean really too.
Although, starting next Monday, Im
doing something a little more glamorous.
What's that?
Night cashier at a cafeteria.
I dont mean how you make money.
I mean,
what are you interested in?
Honey - if I had the answer to that one,
I bet Id bore us both to death
in half an hour.
Thank God, thats over...
xxx
...And she was very disappointing.
Oh, Frank!
Oh, very nice Frank!
Oh, thanks so much, Mrs. Givings.
I cant tell you how much we enjoyed it.
You have a very talented wife.
Ill pass it along!
Frank!
Hi!
Shes in there...!
I'm about ready
for that drink?
Couple of minutes!
April...?
Sweetheart...?
- Hi.
- Hi.
- You about ready to leave?
- Yeah, yeah.
Ive just got to get this makeup off.
Well... I guess it wasnt
a triumph or anything, was it?
I guess not.
Ill be ready in a minute.
Take your time.
Listen, will you do me a favor?
Milly and Shep wanted us
to go out with them after.
Will you say we cant?
Say its because of the baby sitter
or something?
Well, the thing is, I already
said that we could. I mean...
I just saw them and I said we would.
Then would you mind going out again
and saying you were mistaken?
That should be
simple enough.
Dont you think thats a little bit
rude, April?
Well Ill tell them myself.
Okay.
Okay.
Take it easy.
All right?
Ill tell them.
I mean it, baby.
You were the only person in that play.
Thank you.
We shouldve let you get mixed up
in the damned thing. It's all.
All right.
A bunch of amateurs.
I mean, youve studied for Christs sake.
Could we stop talking
about it now?
- Sure.
I just dont want you feeling
bad about it, thats all,
because its not worth it, you know?
Its bad enough having to live out here
among these damn people -
- Whatd you say?
- I said yes. All right, Frank.
Could you just stop talking about it now,
before you drive me crazy, please?
What are you doing?
April...
Sweetheart...
Let's talk about this, okay?
Please, don't do that.
Come on now.
Dont touch me.
April... April...
You just... LEAVE ME ALONE!
Okay.
Okay.
It strikes me, that theres a
considerable amount of bullshit...
going on here, and there is just
a few things, that Id like to clear up.
All right?
Number one:
Its not my fault the play was lousy.
Okay?
Number two:
Its sure as hell not my fault
that you didnt turn out
to be an actress,
and the sooner you get over that
little piece of soap opera
the better off well both be.
Number three:
I dont happen to fit the role of dumb,
insensitive suburban husband,
youve been trying to leave that
crap on me ever since we moved out here.
and I'm damn before wear.
Number four:
April...
April!
April...
What the hell are you doing?
Get back to the car.
No.
I will xxx
Just let me stand here for a second.
Goddamnit.
April...
Can you please, just get back
in the car, and talk about this,
instead of running all over Route 12?
Havent I made it clear I dont
particularly want to talk about it?
Okay. I mean, Jesus, Im trying to be
nice about this thing. For God's sake.
How kind of you.
How terribly, terribly kind of you.
Wait a minute.
I dont deserve this.
Youre always so wonderfully definite,
on the subject of...
- what you do and dont deserve?
- Wait a minute!
Wait a goddamn...
April, now you listen to me.
This is one time
you're not gonna get away with twisting
everything that I say, April.
This just happen to be
one goddamn time.
I know I'm not the wrong here.
Christ, I wish youd
stayed home tonight!
You know what you are,
whe you are like this, April?
Youre sick.
I really mean that.
Youre sick!
And you know
what you are?
What?
- Youre disgusting.
- Oh yeah?
You don't bully me, Frank.
Just because youve got me
safely in this little trap,
you think you can bully me
into feeling whatever you want!
- In a trap! You in a trap!
- Yeah. Yeah.
- Jesus!
- Me, Frank. Me!
Don't make me laugh.
Pathetic so xxx little boy.
Look at you!
Look at you and tell me,
how by any stretch of the imagination
you can call yourself a man!
What?
Damn!
Oh, Jesus Christ!
Dont look at me like that, April.
Could we please go home now?
Daily News.
Daily News.
Yes, thanks, sir.
Daily News.
Thank you.
Fifteenth floor.
Im going to need your help
this morning, Old Scout.
For the next few hours, youre to
warn me of Bandys every approach
and you may need to shield me
from public view in the likely event
that avoid my stomach.
Its that bad.
Morning, Jack.
Nothing good about it,
I assure you.
Of course, I knew the moment you stepped
off the train what you were looking for...
A small remodeled barn,
or a carriage house.
And I just hate to be
the one to tell you
that sort of thing just isnt
available anymore...
But I dont want you to despair.
There is one place up here
I wanna show you...
Now of course it isnt very
desirable at this end.
As you see,
Crawford Road is mostly these little
cinder-blocky, pick-up trucky places.
Plumbers, carpenters,
little local people of that sort.
But eventually...
Eventually it leads up
to Revolutionary Road,
which is much nicer.
Now, the place I want to show you,
is a sweet little house
and a sweet little setting.
Simple, clean lines,
good lawns, marvelous for children.
Its just around this next curve...
Now, youll see it.
There.
See the little white one?
Sweet, isnt it?
The perky way it sits
there on its little slope?
Charming, isnt it?
Oh, yes.
You wanted to see me?
Came for you from Toledo this morning.
This is the third one this month.
- Sorry. I thought Id taken care...
- Im not prepared to have this...
this conversation again, Frank.
You understand?
- I was literaly just getttin...
- These folks in the provinces look up to us.
We need to be efficient. We cant have
this kind of back and forth, and so forth.
Its just not efficient.
Am I Right?
Yes.
What was that about?
Toledo.
Branch manager wants a revised brochure
for the conference on The Knox 500.
Its just not efficient.
Am I right? Am I right? Am I right?
Sounds like a goodie.
For God's sake. I dont even know
what the Knox 500 does... Do you?
Dont insult me.
if youll look in the inactive file
under SP-1109.
youll find copies of all the stuff
we sent to the agency..
and that way we can trace
the thing back to its...
To its original sources.
I hope you werent planning
on an early lunch.
No.
Im not really hungry.
Good. Ill check on you later.
All right?
Okay.
Okay.
You know something, Maureen?
Youre lucky you met me.
Oh? How's that?
I think I can show you the ropes,
you know.
Theres certain art to survival at Knox.
Really.
Let me show you what I mean.
Waiter.
Bring me the telephone would you?
And two more martinis.
Clondike 55566, please.
Hello Mrs. Jorgensen.
Frank Wheeler here.
Yes. I just wanted to let you know,
that Ive had to send Maureen Grube
down to Visual Aides for me.
Ill probably need her the
rest of the afternoon.
Yes.
You too.
Take care now.
I've never even heard of Visual Aides.
Thats because...
It doesnt exist.
Hi, Helen.
Come on in.
Oh, I cant stay a minute...
I just wanted to bring
this sedum plantings
for that messy patch
down by the front yard.
It's like the europian house league
Only these have the most marvelous
little yellow blossoms.
Now all it wants for the first few day
is just a tiny dollop of water
and youll find it absolutely thrives.
Oh. Thank you, Helen.
It's so kind of you.
Would you like some coffee?
Is there something
I can do for you, Helen?
Oh... I almost forgot.
There's a small favor Id like to ask...
It's about...
It's about my son, John.
Hes been in the hospital.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Is everything all right?
Well, actualy...
It's just for the time being.
He's in... Pleasent Brook.
Psychiatric.
Oh.
Oh, I see.
Oh... Nothing serious.
He's just got a little run down.
Things can just get the better of us
sometimes.
Don't you agree?
Yes.
Of course.
It's a marvellous facility.
And the treatments seem to be doing
wonders for him...
Anyway,
they said getting out for an afternoon
might do him a little bit good.
I think he finds my friends a
little conventional, quite frankly
I mean, hes travelled.
He has a PhD in mathematics.
I suppose you could say
hes an intellectual.
It would do him a world of good to
meet a young couple like you.
We'd love to meet him.
Really?
Yes.
We'd love to.
Thank you, dear.
Thank you.
Well...
I must be off.
I remember the first day
you came off the train.
You werent like my other clients.
You were different.
You just seemed...
Special...
Of course you still are.
Remember...
Just the dollop xxx xxx
Bye.
I think you got me a little drunk.
You know what today is?
...Monday?
Its my birthday.
Im thirty years old today.
Happy birthday!
Thank you.
What was the name of that, um...
department you made up again?
Visual...
Visual Aides.
...What-a-joke.
What-a-joke.
Oh my...
Do you wanna hear a real joke...?
Yes.
My old man worked at Knox.
Yeah?
He was a salesman in Yonkers.
Oh.
Once a year,
he used to take me to the city for lunch.
It was supposed to be a very special,
life-advice sort of occasion.
Nice.
No.
Not really.
I used to sit there and think.
"I hope to Christ
I dont end up like you."
Now here I am,
a thirty year old Knox man.
Can you beat that?
I think I kind of lost you...
Your father worked for Knox...?
I'm sorry.
Everythings kinda...
...going out of focus
Why don't we get some air?
You with me?
Is this you?
Yeah.
You've been to Paris?
Ive never really been anywhere.
Maybe Ill take you with me then.
Im going back first chance I get.
I tell you.
People are alive there.
I like here.
All I know April is...
I wanna feel things.
Really feel them.
You know?
Hows that for an ambition...?
Frank Wheeler?
I think youre the most
interesting person
Ive ever met.
Guess this wasnt what you had in mind
when you went to work this morning?
No. It's really wasn't.
Do you have a cigarette, Frank?
Yeah, sure.
There you go.
Can I get you a drink or anything?
No thanks, Maureen.
Actually it's...
Its getting kind of late.
I guess I...
I guess Id better be cutting out.
Oh. Gee.
That's right.
Did you miss your train?
Thats all right.
Ill catch the next one.
Listen,
you were swell.
Take care now.
Frank...
Why are you all dressed up?
First of all,
I missed you all day
and I wanna say Im sorry.
Im sorry for the way
Ive been since that stupid play.
Im sorry for everything.
And I love you.
For the rest of life. xxx
Now, you...
Just wait here till I call you. Okay?
Okay.
Alright Frank!
You can come in now!
"Happy Birthday to you."
"Happy Birthday to you."
"Happy Birthday dear Daddy."
"Happy Birthday to you."
Happy Birthday, Darling.
I love you, daddy.
I love you too.
Frank.
Frank.
I have had the most wonderful idea.
Ive been thinking about it all day.
Baby, whats all this about?
You know how much money
we have saved...?
Enough to live on for six months
without you earning another dime.
And with the money we could get from
the house and the car, longer than that.
What we get for the house...
Sweetheart, what are you talking about?
Where are we going to live?
Paris.
What?
You always said
it was the only place
youd ever been,
that you wanna to go back to.
The only place that was worth living.
So why dont we go there?
Youre serious?
Yes.
Whats stopping us?
Whats stopping us?
Well, I can think of a number
of different things.
For example, what kind of a job
could I possibly get?
You wont be getting any kind of job,
because I will.
Oh, right.
Right.
Dont laugh at me.
Listen to me.
Do you know what they pay
for secretarial positions in the
government agencies in Europe?
No. I don't.
Listen Frank, Im serious about this.
- Do you think Im kidding or something?
- Okay.
I just have a couple of questions,
is all.
For one thing,
what exactly am I supposed to be doing
while youre out earning all this money?
Dont you see,
thats the whole idea?
Youll be doing what you shouldve been
allowed to do seven years ago.
Youll have time.
For the first time in your life
youll have time to find out
what it is that you actually want to do,
and when you figure it out,
youll have the time and the freedom...
to start doing it.
Sweetheart,
its just not very realistic, is all.
No, Frank.
This is what's unrealistic.
Its unrealistic for a man with
a fine mind to go on working
year after year at a job he cant stand,
coming home to a place he cant stand,
to a wife whos equally unable
to stand the same things.
You want to know the worst part?
Our whole existence here is based
on this great premise,
that were... special...
and superior to the whole thing.
But we're not.
Were just like everyone else.
Look at us! Weve bought into
the same ridiculous delusion.
This idea that you have to
resign from life
and settle down
the moment you have children.
And weve been punishing
each other for it.
Listen,
we decided to move out here.
No one ever forced me to
take the job at Knox.
I mean who ever said I was supposed
to be a big deal, anyway?
When I first met you...
there was nothing in the world
you couldnt do or be.
When you first met me, I was a little
wise guy with a big mouth.
- That's all.
- You were not.
How can you even say that?
Okay.
Okay, so...
I'll have time.
And God knows thats appealing.
It's...
Its very appealing.
Everything you say make sense if...
If I had definite talent.
If I were a writer or an artist...
Listen.
Listen to me.
Its what you are thats being stifled.
Its what you are thats
being denied and denied,
in this kind of life.
And whats that?
Dont you know...?
Youre the most beautiful
and wonderful thing in the world...
Youre a man.
This is our chance, Frank
This is our one chance.
Okay.
Okay?
Why not?
Why the hell not?
All right.
All right. All right.
We're going to be fine.
Morning all.
Morning, Frank.
Ah, Franklin.
Good to see your shining face.
What's the news.
Fellas...
Im moving to Paris.
Indeed.
And Im moving to Tangiers.
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
...Intra-company letter to Toledo...
Attention...
B.F. Chalmers, branch manager...
With regard to recent and
repeated correspondence,
this is to advise that the matter
has been...
very satisfactorily taken in hand,
period, paragraph.
We wholly agree that the existing
brochure is unsuitable.
To this end we have developed thought...
"Speaking of Production Control..."
Here you are Mrs. Wheeler:
Heres the travellers checks
you requested...
and your steamer reservations...
and these Ill pass on
to the embassy for you.
Good luck.
Thank you.
September.
October at the outside.
I just happen to think people are
better off doing some kind of work
they actually like.
Right, right, yes.
I mean, assuming there is
a true vocation waiting for you.
Wouldnt you be just as likely
to discover it here as there?
I dont thinkits possible
to discover anything
on the fifteenth floor
of the Knox building,
and I dont think any of you do either.
Daddy, Daddy, Daddy...
Daddy?
Michael...
Daddy, will you read it?
Yes.
...All the way to... here.
We have to take a big boat ride
across the sea to get there.
But I wont know anybody there.
Oh, I know.
I know. Neither will I.
But remember how you fell
when you started school?
And now look how many
friends you have...
Youll never guess
what they eat in Paris.
You'll never
guess...
- What?
- What?
Slimy Snails.
Snails?!
Slimy snails and eaten frogs legs!
Milly?
Where are you, doll?
Oh, you'd better get changed,
theyll be here soon.
That what you're wearing?
Don't you like it?
Yeah.
You look great, doll.
Guess I better haul ass.
Hey kids.
What time it is?
Hiya gang.
It's two thousands, two hundred...
What you're watching?
Starring Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob.
Shep?
I was calling and calling you...
Hi.
Here we go.
Some little something.
Oh those look great.
Im starving!
April...
I can't get over it -
you look like the cat
that ate the canary!
Do you have something to tell us?
Just a little bit of news?
Well, actualy Milly, we...
We do have some important news. Yes.
I knew it.
Honey, why don't you tell them?
Were going to Europe.
To Paris.
To live.
What?
When?
In september.
But what for?
What for?
Well...
Well, because...
Because weve always wanted to.
Because the kids are young enough.
Because its beautiful.
I mean really.
I mean, Shep, you've been there.
You tell her.
Yeah.
It's great city.
Yeah.
When did you make this decision?
About a week ago...
its hard to remember.
We just suddenly decided to go,
thats all.
About a week ago,
and you tell us now!
Yeah. We had to get used to the idea.
So, whats the deal, Frank?
You get a job over there, or what?
No, no.
Not exactly.
What do you mean, "not exactly?"
Frank wont be getting
any kind of a job,
because I will.
So what are you gonna do, Frank?
Im gonna study, you know...
I'm gonna read...
I suppose Im gonna...
finally figure out what I wanna do
with my life, Shep.
...While she supports you?
Yes.
While she supports me...
In the beginning.
You wouldnt believe what they pay
for secretarial work
in those government agencies over there.
NATO and E.C.A. and those places.
The cost of living is dirt cheap, right?
So cheap.
The truth is we just need
something different.
Were not getting any younger and
we dont want life to just pass us by.
That's right.
Gee, it sounds wonderful, kids.
I mean it.
It really sounds wonderful.
Thank you, Milly.
Thank you.
Well certainly miss you, though -
wont we, sweetie?
- Golly.
- Sure.
We'll miss you too.
- Of course.
- Sure.
We should have a toast or something.
???
To Paris.
To Paris.
To Paris.
To Paris.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
You know what I think?
What?
I think this whole plan
sounds a little immature.
Oh God, Im so relieved.
Me too...
I was thinking that the whole time.
I mean, what kind of man
is gonna sit around
in his bathrobe all day,
picking his nose
- while his wife goes out in works?
- I don't know, Shep.
I just don't know.
Why're you crying?
What's the matter?
It's nothing.
I'm just so relieved.
Shep.
Don't cry.
Please.
Its all right.
Everything's gonna be all right.
Okay.
Oh my god, their faces!
Oh God!
Oh God!
You know what this is like, April?
Honestly.
Just talking like this?
The whole idea of going off to Europe
this way?
This is the way I felt going up
to the line the first time,
in the war.
I mean. I was probably just as scared
as everyone else, but...
But inside I never felt better.
I felt...
I felt alive.
I felt full of blood.
I felt...
Everything just...
Everything seemed more real.
The guys in their uniforms.
The snow on the fields, the trees.
And all of us...
All of us just... walking.
I mean I was scared of course, but
I just kept thinking: this is it.
You know?
This is the truth.
I felt that way once too.
When?
First time you made love to me.
All right, April.
What's up?
Bart Pollock's here.
Hes in Bandys office.
Big deal, huh?
Looks like he wants to talk to you.
Hey...
Keep my name out of it.
Frank.
Good to see you.
You know Bart Pollock?
Well, we never met, but...
- Of course I...
- Glad to know you, Frank.
Speaking of production control?
Frank...
This is a crackerjack.
Theyre just tickled to death in Toledo.
Really?
So this guy Pollock was perfect
Presidential material in the worst sense.
A million dollar smile and about three
pounds of muscle between his ears.
April, you should've heard this guy.
"Frank, this is a crackerjack."
What a horses ass.
Wish I've seen his face
when you told him you were leaving.
Yeah.
Here they come.
- Sorry to be late.
- Youre not late.
The traffic was terrible.
- You didnt have to do that.
- Good to see you.
- Good to see you.
- Wasnt it terrible, Howard?
Route 12.
About the time they finish
that stretch of road,
theyll have to start all over again,
right?
And you must be John?
Say hello, John.
Nice to meetcha.
Heard a lot aboutcha.
Where are your darling children?
Theyre at a birthday party.
Sorry they couldnt be here.
Dont worry. If I had a certified
lunatic coming around my house,
Id probably get the kids
out of the way too.
Look at all this food!
You didnt have to go
to any trouble for us.
Its just some sandwiches.
John, would you like a sandwich?
Helens been talking it up about you
people for months.
The nice young Wheelers on
Revolutionary Road,
the nice young revolutionaries
on Wheeler road.
Would anyone like some Sherry?
Please, dont bother Frank.
Id like some sherry.
And Ill drink Helens too.
if she doesnt beat me to it.
Oh, hey...
You got a high-ball glass...?
Put a couple-three ice cubes in it,
pour it up to the brim.
Thats the way I like it.
I think I can handle that.
This egg salad is delicious, April.
You must tell me how you fix it.
You a lawyer Frank?
No.
No, Im not.
I could use a lawyer.
John, lets not get started again
about the lawyer.
Pop, couldnt you just sit there
and eat your wonderful egg salad,
and quit horning in?
See...
Ive got a good many questions to ask
and Im willing to pay for the answers...
Now, I dont need to be told that a man
who goes after his mother
with a coffee table is
putting himself in a weak
position legally; thats obvious.
John, come and have a look out this
fabulous picture window.
If he hits her with it and kills
her, thats a criminal case.
Oh, look, the suns coming out!
If all he does is break the coffee table
and give her a certain amount of aggravation
and she decides to go to court over it,
thats a civil case.
Maybe well have a rainbow!
- John, come have a look.
- Ma, how about doing everybody a favor?
How about shutting up!
Seddle down, now.
Maybe I can look into it.
Recommend someone.
What you say?
So...
What do you do, Frank?
I work for
Knox Business Machines factory.
You design the machines?
Nope.
Make 'em, sell 'em, repair 'em?
All these questions.
I help sell them, I guess I...
I work in the office.
Actually, it's...
It's a sort of a stupid job really.
There's...
nothing interesting about it at all.
Whaddya do it for then?
Maybe Frank doesnt like
to be questioned like this...
Okay, okay. Okay.
I know its none of my business.
And besides,
I know the answer.
You want to play house,
you got to have a job.
You want to play very nice house,
very sweet house,
then you got to have a job
you dont like.
Anyone comes along and says
"Whaddya do it for?"
Hes probably on a four-hour pass
from the State funny farm.
All agreed..?
Ma..?
Sorry Frank.
No. Dont be.
Dont be.
Actually, John, I agree with...
everything you just said.
We both do. Thats why Im quitting
the job in the fall. We're...
Were taking off.
Were moving to Paris.
Did you know about this, Ma...?
Wow.
How do you feel about that, Ma?
"The nice young Wheelers."
The nice young Wheelers.
Are taking off!
John, please.
Steady down, son.
John.
John!
How about some fresh air,
what you say?
If thats all right with you?
I dont know if it's such a good idea.
...If John wants to,
I dont see the harm.
Good.
Do you..?
I hear youre a mathematician.
You hear wrong.
Its all gone now.
All gone?
You know what electrical shock
treatments are?
Yes.
Yes I do.
Ive had thirty-seven.
Supposed to jolt out the
"Emotional Problems."
Just jolted out the mathematics.
How awful.
"How awful..."
Why?
Because mathematics is so "interesting?"
No. Because the shocks
must be awful and...
Well, because its awful not to be able
to do what it is you want to do.
I think mathematics must be dull.
I like your girl, Frank.
Me too.
So, what do a couple of people like
you have to run away from?
Were not running.
So whats in Paris?
A different way of life.
Maybe we are running...
Were running from the hopeless
emptiness of the whole life here, right?
The hopeless emptiness?
Now, youve said it.
Plenty of people are on
to the emptiness, but...
it takes real guts to see
the hopelessness...
Wow.
You know,
hes the first person who seemed to know
what we were talking about.
Well...
Thats true, isn't it?
Maybe we are just as crazy as he is.
If being crazy means...
living life as it matters
then I dont care
if we are completely insane.
Do you?
No.
I love you so much.
Tell you something, Frank.
That Ted Bundy,
nice guy,
real sport.
xxx
Im a little sore at the way hes kept
you under a bushel all these years.
This place okay, for you?
Oh, it's just fine, sir.
Just fine.
One thing interests me, Frank,
and one thing only:
selling the electronic computer
to the American businessman...
Thats why Im assembling a team.
Men like you,
not your average salesmen...
It will mean more money,
and I got to be honest,
maybe more of a time commitment,
but youll be a part of something
exciting, Wheeler...
Computers.
Well, sir...
It sounds exciting.
Bart!
Bart....
Bart, let me ask you a question.
Do you happen to remember
an Earl Wheeler?
Out of Yonkers?
Cant say that I do.
Relation of yours?
My father.
He worked as a salesman for Knox
almost twenty years.
Earl Wheeler...
Earl Wheeler...
There's no reason you would remember.
Well, Im sure he was a good man.
Listen, Bart, there is...
Theres something
I should have mentioned earlier...
Im gonna be leaving the firm.
In the fall.
Another outfit?
No. No, it's not another outfit.
Now look, Frank.
Is it a question of money?
Because if it is, theres no reason
we cant get together on a satisfactory---
Oh. I appreciate that, but no, it's...
Its not money. It's...
Well, it's more...
more of personal thing.
I hope you understand.
A personal thing?
I see.
Frank, let me tell you something
my father told me...
A man only gets
a couple of chances in life.
If he doesnt grab em by the balls,
it wont be long before
he sitting around wondering
how he got to be second rate.
I guess so.
So, do me a favour...
Sleep on it.
Discuss it with your wife.
Because lets be honest: where the hell would
any of us be without our wives, anyway?
And Frank, in all sincerity,
if you do decide to join us,
I believe itll be a thing
youll never regret.
And I believe something else, too.
I believe itd be a fine memorial
to your Dad.
Think about it Frank.
Really think about it.
Knowing what youve got,
comma,
knowing what you need,
comma,
Knowing what you can do without,
dash.
Thats inventory control.
Knowing what youve got,
comma,
knowing what you need,
comma,
Knowing what you can do without,
dash.
Thats inventory control.
Working late?
Yeah.
I got to dig myself out here.
I heard you were getting promoted.
Big shot.
I guess your Dad would
have been real proud, huh?
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess so...
So maybe I should take you
for a drink or something?
You know...?
Celebrate.
Yeah. Maybe.
Ill just get my things.
Im going to take my doll carriage
and my three Easter rabbits
and my giraffe
and all my dolls and my doll house
and my...
I thought maybe we'd give
the doll house to Madeline.
I dont wanna give
the doll house to Madeline.
But I already explained to you, the big
things are going to be hard to pack.
But she can have my bear,
- and my three Easter rabbits...
- No. Just the big things.
Look, wouldnt you rather
go outside and play with Michael.
I dont feel like it.
- Youve been inside all day.
- I dont feel like it!
Well I dont feel like explaining
everything fifteen times
to somebody whos too bored
and silly to listen!
All right, April, what's the matter?
Nothing.
I dont believe you.
Did something happen this morning?
Nothing happened today that I havent
known about for days and days.
What?
Oh, God, Frank,
please dont look so dense.
Do you mean you havent guessed
or anything?
April, what are you talking about?
Im pregnant, thats all.
What?
Frank, I meant to wait until
the kids went to tell you,
But I just...
Ive been pretty sure all week
and today I went to the Doctor
and now I cant even pretend
its not true.
Gee... How long?
Ten weeks.
Ten weeks?
Ten weeks and you wait
until now to tell me?
I thought...
Oh, I dont know what I thought.
Im sorry, Frank.
Im so sorry.
I know, I know you are.
All right?
There are things we can do.
We dont have to let this stop us
from going, do we?
Remember that girl at school
I told you about...?
As long as we care about it
before 12 weeks, its fine.
Weve got to be together in this, Frank.
Well.
Well figure it out.
All right?
Come here.
time to decide, right?
Right.
I love you.
...I love you too.
I got you Michael.
So, Frank, hows work?
They gonna survive without you?
Actually... Something kinda funny
happened the other day.
I did some dumb little piece of work
to get myself off the hook with Bandy,
and...
suddenly Im The Bright Young Man.
Thats always the way, isnt it?
Its incredible.
I mean, I knocked this thing off
in a couple of minutes and now
they want me to join their
team of "specialist" salesmen.
Morons.
Well, itd be funny, if they werent
offering so much damn money.
So, you tempted?
Well...
This is kind of ironic, dont you think?
I thought you turned the job down?
Not yet.
Its just an option, thats all.
With the kind of money theyre talking,
things could be different for us here.
We could get a better place.
Travel.
Look, the point is: We could be
happy here. At least for a while.
It is possible that Parisians
arent the only ones capable
with leading interesting lives, April.
So, youve made up your mind?
No.
No.
Like I said, its just an option.
That's all.
...And supposing youre right.
You make all this money and we have this
interesting life here.
Wont you still be wasting your life
toiling away at a job
you find ridiculous?
Maybe we let that be my business.
All right?
Your buisness?
I can not...
Its too hot for this.
I'm gonna go get wet.
You dont wanna go, do you?
Come on, April.
Of course I do.
No!
You don't!
Because youve never
tried at anything.
And if you dont try at anything
you cant fail.
What the hell do you mean I dont try?
I support you, dont I?
I pay for this house.
I work ten hours a day
at a job I cant stand.
You dont have to!
Shit!
Look, Im not happy about it.
But I have the backbone not to run
away from my responsibilities!
It takes backbone to lead
the life you want, Frank.
- Where are you going?
- If it's alright with you, April...
I'm gonna go use the bathroom.
Okay?
What the hell you're gonna do with this?
And what do you think
youre gonna do?
- You're gonna stop me?
- Youre damn right! I am.
Go ahead and try!
Listen to me.
You do this, April.
You do this and I swear to God I'll...
Youll what?
You leave me?
Is that a threat, or a promise?
When did you buy this, April?
How long have you this? I wanna know!
Jeses Christ! You really are being
melodramatic about this whole thing.
As long as its done in the first
twelve weeks, its perfectly safe.
Thats now April!
Dont I get a say?
Of course you do!
It would be for you, Frank,
dont you see?
So you can have time.
Just like we talked about.
How can it be for me if the thought makes
my stomach turn over? For God's sake.
Then its for me...
Tell me we can have
the baby in Paris, Frank.
Tell me we can have different life,
but dont make me stay here. Please.
We cant have the baby in Paris.
Why not?
I dont need everything we have here.
I dont care where we live!
I mean,
who made these rules, anyway?
Look,
the only reason we moved out here
was because I got pregnant.
Then we had another child to prove
the first one wasnt a mistake.
I mean, how long does it go on?
Frank?
Do you actually want another child?
Well, do you?
Come on.
Tell me.
Tell me the truth, Frank.
Remember that?
We used to live by it.
And you know whats so good
about the truth?
Everyone knows what it is,
however long theyve lived without it.
No one forgets the truth, Frank,
they just get better at lying.
So tell me:
do you really want another child?
All I know is what I feel.
And anyone else in their right mind
would feel the same way, April.
But Ive had two children.
Doesnt that count in my favor?
Christ! The fact that
you even put it that way!
You make it seemed as having children is
some sort of goddamn punishment.
I love my children, Frank.
And youre sure about that?
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
April,
you just said our daughter was mistake.
How do I know you didnt try to get
rid of her or Michael for that matter?
No.
How do I know you didnt try to flush our
entire fucking family down the toilet?
No. That's not true!
Of course I didnt.
But how do I know April?
Please stop.
Please just stop, Frank.
April,
a normal woman, a normal sane mother
doesnt buy a piece of rubber tubing
to give herself an abortion
so she can live out
some kind of God damn fantasy.
Look,
all Im saying is you dont seem
entirely rational about this thing...
And I think it's about time
we found somebody
to help make some sense of your life.
...And the new jobs gonna pay
for that too?
April,
if you need a shrink, it'll be paid for.
Obviously.
Okay.
I guess there isnt much more to say,
then, is there?
So I guess Paris was
a pretty childish idea, huh?
I guess maybe it was.
April,
we can be happy here...
I can make you happy here.
Weve had a great couple of months.
It doesnt need to end...
Were gonna be okay.
I promise.
I hope so Frank.
I really hope so.
Thank you for waiting.
Mr. Pollock can see you now.
Thanks for watch.
Foiled by faulty contraception.
I cant say that Im sorry.
Youd have been sorely missed in
the old cubicle,
I can tell you that.
Wouldnt have been the same without you.
Besides which...
Well...
What?
The plan always seemed
the touch unrealistic,
dont you think?
I suppose, its none of my
business, really.
No, no.
I suppose it isn't.
Well...
Theyll be celebrating
in the secretarial pool.
Hey! Remember the first time
you brought us here?
xxx absoulutely.
You said, it takes a special kind of
taste to enjoy Vitos Log Cabin!
Thats right!
Its so awful its kinda nice!
That's right!
Look at me...!
I'm just so happy.
Little gang is back together again!
How you liked the boys and the band,
weren't they great tonight?
Hey, Europes not going anywhere.
Thats right.
April. Honey.
How about the dance, huh?
Not right now.
- Maybe later.
- I'll dance.
Okay.
I guess shes pretty blue
'bout Paris, huh?
- Think shell be okay?
- Oh, sure.
Give us girls a couple of days
and we can get over anything!
That's right.
Oh, Frank.
Frank...
Frank...
Frank...
You okay?
Are you okay?
Milly?
Oh.
I'm so sorry.
Frank, excuse me.
Oh. That's just great.
What the hell we suppose to get out now?
Oh, boy.
Oh, don't worry about that, Shep.
We can wait. Really.
I've got the sitter.
Listen, why dont you drive Milly home,
then go home yourself?
That takes care of both sitters.
Then Shep can take me home later.
Yeah.
It's fine by me.
Okay then.
You are...
You'll be all right?
Sure.
Okay.
- Good night.
- Good night.
I feel better.
I'm sorry youre not going away anymore.
I know it was important to you.
Dont take this wrong, but...
I've been there and,
they dont have so much
we dont have here.
It didnt have to be Paris.
You just...
wanted out, huh?
I wanted in.
I just...
I just wanted us to live again.
For years I thought
we shared the secret...
that we would be wonderful in the world.
I didnt exactly know how, but just...
just the possibility kept me hoping.
How pathetic is that?
So stupid.
To put all your hopes in a...
in a promise that was never made?
See, Frank knows...
He knows what he wants. He's..
Hes found his place.
Hes just fine.
Married, two kids.
It should be enough.
It is for him.
And he's right.
We were never special...
or destined or anything at all.
Yes, you are.
You are...
Youre The Wheelers.
Youre a terrific couple,
everybody says so.
I saw whole our future.
Can't stop seeing it.
Can't leave.
Can't stay.
No damn use to anyone.
Come on.
Let's do it.
Let me take you somewhere.
No, just...
Just do it here.
Now.
April...
This is what Ive always wanted...
I love you.
Dont say that.
No, I mean it.
I love you.
Please, just...
be quiet for a minute,
then you can take me home.
Its beautiful out.
Yes, it is.
You know what today is?
Its twelve weeks.
Thats right.
Look,
this has been kind of a crazy summer.
We've...
Weve both been under a strain.
I mean,
I understand why you're upset.
You know Im not sleeping with you
and you want to know why?
Im sorry Frank, but I just...
really don't feel like talking about it.
All right.
Then what should we talk about, April?
Would it be all right
if we didnt talk about anything?
I mean, cant we just take each day
as it comes, and...
do the best we can,
and not feel like we have to
talk about everything all the time?
I dont think I'm suggesting that
we talk about everything all the time.
Look,
my point is, weve both been
under a strain.
We ought to be helping each other
as much as we can right now.
And God knows my own behavior has been
pretty weird lately...
As a matter of fact there's something
I'd like to tell you about.
Ive been with a girl few times.
In the city.
A girl I hardly even know.
It was nothing to me,
but...
it's over now.
Really over.
If I werent sure of that I guess
I could never have told you about it.
Why did you?
Baby, I dont know.
I think it was a simple case of
wanting to be a man again
after all that abortion business.
Some kind of neurotic,
irrational need to prove something.
No.
I dont mean why did you have the girl,
I mean,
why did you tell me about it?
What do you mean?
I mean what's the point?
Is it supposed to make me jealous,
or something?
Is it supposed to make me
fall in love with you, or...
back into bed with you, or what?
I mean,
what would you like me to say, Frank?
Why dont you say what you feel, April?
I don't feel anything.
In other words
you dont care what I do or...
or who I fuck or anything?
No.
I guess thats right, I dont.
Fuck who you like.
April,
dont you understand,
that I want you to care.
I know.
I know you do.
And I suppose I would if I loved you.
But I dont think I do anymore
and I only just figured that out.
And thats why Id just as soon
not do any talking right now.
Oh, dont give me this shit, April!
Don't give me that!
You know God damn well you love me!
- You think so?!
- You know GOD DAMN WELL!
Anyone home?
Im sorry dinners late.
Would anyone like another drink?
Oh, dont worry.
Its nice just to sit for a bit
and socialize...
You shouldn't go through
all this trouble.
Now you're packing
and what not.
Imagine how long you were on the plate.
No pan intended.
Actually, theres been a change of plans.
I thought maybe it was obvious...
April here is pregnant.
- Oh.
- Congratulation.
Oh, April!
I cant tell you how pleased I am.
Oh, but I expect youll be needing
a bigger house, now.
- Wont you?
- Hold it a second, Ma.
Hold on a second, Ma.
I don't get this.
I mean,
whats so obvious about it?
I mean,
okay, shes pregnant---
So what?
Dont people have
babies in Europe?
- John. I dont think we need to---
- Suppose we just say...
that people anywhere arent
very well advised
to have babies unless
they can afford them.
Okay.
Okay, its a question of money.
Moneys a good reason...
But...
its hardly ever the real reason.
Whats the real reason?
Wife talk you out of it, or what?
Little woman decide she isnt
quite ready to quit playing house?
Nah, nah, thats not it.
I can tell. She looks too tough
and adequate as hell.
Okay, then.
It mustve been you.
- What happened?
- John, please, youre being very---
Dunno.
What happened, Frank?
You get cold feet?
You decide,
youre better off here after all?
You figure...
...it's more...
...comfy here in old Hopeless Emptiness
after all?
Huh?
Wow, that did it!
Look at his face!
Whats the matter, Wheeler?
Am I getting warm?
All right, son.
I think wed better be---
You know something?
I wouldnt be surprised
if he knocked her up on purpose just
so he could spend the rest of his life
hiding behind that maternity dress.
That way he never have to find out
what hes really made of.
Now look,
I think thats just about enough
out of you.
I mean, who the hell
do you think you are?
You come in here and say whatever crazy
God damn thing comes into your head
and I think its about time someone told
you to keep your God damn mouth shut.
- Hes not well, Frank.
- Not well, my ass!
I dont give a damn if hes sick or well
or dead or alive,
he should keep his fucking opinions
in the fucking insane asylum
where they belong!
Lets go, son.
Come on, John.
Big man you got there, April.
Big family man.
I feel sorry for you.
Still,
maybe you deserve each other.
I mean,
the way you look right now,
Im beginning to feel sorry for him, too.
You must give him a pretty bad time,
if making babies is the only way
he can prove hes got a pair of balls.
- You... fucking..!
- No!
Hes not well, Frank!
All right, John.
Lets get on out to the car now.
April, Im sorry...
I'm so sorry.
Oh, right!
Sorry!
Sorry!
Sorry!
Oh Ma?
Have I said "I'm sorry" enough times?
Damn!
I am sorry, too.
I bet Im just about
the sorriest bastard I know.
But, get right down to it, I dont have
a whole hell of a lot to be glad about,
do I?
Oh, but hey...
You know what?
I'm glad about one thing.
You wanna know what I'm glad about?
Im glad Im not gonna be that kid.
Okay.
Okay, dont tell me.
Dont tell me; let me guess.
I made a Disgusting Spectacle of Myself.
Right?
Right.
And everything that man said is true.
Right? Isnt that what youre gonna say?
Apparently I dont have to.
Youre saying it for me.
But youre wrong, April.
Really?
Why am I wrong?
Because the man is insane.
Hes fucking insane!
You know
what the definition of insanity is?
No!
- Do you?
- Yes!
It's the inability to relate
to another human being.
Its the inability to love.
April...
April...
April!
April!
"The ina..."
"The inability"
Oh, Frank,
you really are a wonderful talker!
If black could be made
into white by talking,
youd be the man for the job.
So now Im crazy
because I dont love you.
Right?
Is that the point?
No.
Wrong.
Youre not crazy and you do love me;
thats the point, April.
But I dont.
I hate you.
Youre just a boy who made me laugh
at a party once
and now I love to aside off you.
In fact if you come any closer,
you touch me or anything,
I think I'll scream.
Come on.
Stop this, April.
Fuck you, April.
Fuck you and all your hateful,
snotty little---
Whatre you gonna do now?
Are you gonna hit me?
To show me
how much you love me?
Dont worry, I cant be bothered!
Youre not worth the trouble
itd take to hit you.
Youre not worth the powder
itd take to blow you up.
Youre an empty...
empty, hollow shell of a woman.
I mean, what the hell are you doing
in my house if you hate me so much?
Why the hell did you marry to me?
What the hell are you carrying my child?
I mean, why didn't you just get rid of it,
when you had the chance for?
Because listen to me,
listen to me, I got news for you:
I wish to God that you had.
April!
April!
April!
April!
April?
April!
April!
Stay away from me.
April, listen...
Stay away from me.
Cant I even get away from you
in the fucking woods?
April, listen, I didnt mean that.
- Honestly; I didnt mean what I said.
- Are you still talking?
Isnt there any way
to stop your talking?
I NEED to think.
Cant you see that?
I need to think.
Please come back to the house.
Whatre you doing out here, April?
You want me to
scream again, Frank?
Because I will,
I mean it!
Okay.
Okay.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Would you like scrambled eggs or fried?
I don't know.
Doesnt really matter.
Scrambled, I guess, if its easy.
Fine.
Ill have scrambled too.
Its kinda nice having breakfast
without the kids for a change.
Yes.
I thought youd probably want
a good breakfast today.
I mean its kind of an important day
for you, isnt it?
Isnt this the day you have
your conference with Pollock?
Yes.
Yes, thats right.
Big deal.
I imagine it is a pretty big deal;
for them, anyway.
What exactly do you think
youll be doing in your new job?
You haven't really told me
much about it.
Havent I?
Well I think this whole thing
is about Knox getting ready
to buy up one of those...
really big computers,
even bigger than the "500."
Did I tell you about that?
No.
Why don't you tell me now?
You know, basically its just a...
a big, fast adding machine.
Only instead of...
mechanical parts, you see,
you've got...
thousands of individual vacuum tubes.
Oh, I see.
At least I think I see.
Yes. Its really kinda
interesting, isnt it?
Oh, I don't know.
Yeah, I guess it is a kind
of interesting, in a way.
You should value what you do Frank.
Youre obviously good at it.
I guess Id better be getting started.
Listen now, April, though...
This was really nice...
I mean it was a swell breakfast.
Really I...
I dont know
when Ive ever had a nicer breakfast.
Thank you...
I enjoyed it too.
Then you dont---
You dont hate me, or anything?
No.
No, of course I dont.
Have a good day.
Okay, then...
So long.
Hello...
Milly?
Everything all right?
Well, no, Im afraid I'm...
Im not feeling any better.
That's really why I called.
If its not an inconvenience for you...
This evening would be great.
What...?
Oh, no.
No.
Not if theyre outdoors playing.
Dont call them in.
Just...
give them each a kiss for me,
and tell them I...
tell them...
Oh, you know---
All right.
All right.
Thank you, Milly.
Bye.
I think I need help....
One one five,
Revolutionary Road.
Frank?
They tell you what happened?
Jesus Christ! Shep, I couldnt even
understand half the things he told me.
He said the fetus was out
before they got her here.
And they had to operate
to take out the whatdycallit,
the placenta and now
she's still bleeding.
I mean...
He said shed lost a lot of blood
before the ambulance came
and you know...
Now theyre trying to stop it.
He said a whole lot of things
I didnt understand about capillaries,
I mean...
He said shes unconscious.
Jesus.
Okay.
Frank, want you take a seat?
What the hell do I want to sit down for!
For God's sake!
Okay, Frank.
Just take it easy.
Take it easy.
Okay, Frank, have a cigarette.
She did it to herself, Shep.
She did it to herself.
I'm gonna get you some coffee.
Really such... wonderful people.
Werent they Shep?
It's just devastating.
- Poor April.
- Thank you.
Frank lives in the city now.
Where is it that he works?
Bart Pollock Associates.
Computers.
Interesting firm.
Have you seen him since?
No.
Not that year.
Too many memories, I think.
Sheps seen him. In the city.
Haven't you, sweety?
Frank is just devoted to those kids.
Every spare moment he has,
he spends with them...
Excuse me.
You all right?
I dont want to talk about
The Wheelers any more.
Okay.
We don't have to.
We don't have to.
Daddy, Daddy watch...
Watch daddy...
I cant tell you how pleased I am about
the little Revolutionary Road place, Howard.
And now whenever I drive past,
it gives me such a lift to see it all
perked up and spanking clean again,
now the lights in all the windows.
And do you know, I was just thinking
Ive loved that little house for years,
and the Braces are the only really
suitable people Ive ever found for it.
Really nice, congenial people, I mean.
Well, except for the Wheelers, you mean.
I was very fond of the Wheelers.
They were a bit whimsical,
for my taste.
A bit neurotic.
I've never stressed it, but they were
often very trying people to deal with,
in many ways.
And actually,
the main reason the little house
was so... hard to sell is,
because that they let it
depreciate so dreadfully.
Warped window frames,
wet cellar,
crayon marks all over the walls,
filthy smudges around the door knob
and the fixtures.