The last time they shared the silver screen, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio portrayed two characters engaged in a forbidden love affair on the high seas in the unforgettable “Titanic.” Now, over a decade later, Winslet and DiCaprio are reunited in their portrayal of yet another couple, albeit more dysfunctional and equally as tragic, in the film “Revolutionary Road.”

The screenplay, adapted from Richard Yates’ novel of the same name, follows a 1950s Connecticut suburban couple, the Wheelers, as they struggle to uphold the picture-perfect image their neighbors have bestowed upon them.

The film is filled with much disappointment as April Wheeler, played by Winslet, is unable to fulfill her dream of becoming an actress. Her husband, Frank Wheeler, played by DiCaprio, works an average job that yields him little direction or satisfaction.

These disappointments lead to tense emotional outbursts between the two and meaningless adulterous acts on both ends. In a desperate attempt to salvage their marriage and family, April suggests they move to Paris, a city Frank enjoyed while he was traveling with the Army during the war. A cruel and unexpected turn of events sends the plan reeling from reality, and the Wheelers are suddenly forced to face their psychological demons for good.

DiCaprio and Winslet are stunningly brilliant in their respective roles, revealing the Wheelers’ sadly conflicted and self-loathing nature beneath a mask of superiority and happiness.

DiCaprio, through his climactic build-up in intense situations, exposes many conflicting layers of the emotionally stunted Frank Wheeler, a devoted father, indifferent businessman and deeply troubled husband all rolled into one.

Winslet’s interpretation of April Wheeler has a subtler tint to it, but is just as diverse. Winslet aptly melds April’s emotional disconnect from both her husband and her children with her idealistic dreams to create the perfect storm of neurosis. Winslet introduces her character as a slightly naïve idealist, but soon morphs her into an active participant in her family’s demise. Winslet’s delivery of her character’s line, “If being crazy means living life to the fullest, then I don’t care if I’m insane,” strikes a chord with viewers and shows how demented and unattainable some fantasies can truly be.

Michael Shannon also turns in a provocative performance as the institutionalized psychopathic son of the Wheeler’s neighbors, John Givings. His ability to serve, ironically, as the twisted voice of reason for the Wheelers earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.

The musical score, compiled by Thomas Newman, further emphasizes the emotional torture and self-consciousness that plagues this story. The eerie monotony of the music reflects the unceasing cycle of discontent and perception of failure and constraint captured by the plotline.

“Revolutionary Road,” directed by Sam Mendes, has been nominated for several Golden Globes, one of which Winslet won for her role as April, and an Oscar. It is now playing in select theaters throughout the country.