'Revolutionary Road,' 'Frost/Nixon,' 'Milk' and 'Doubt' have messages for today

As the Oscars approach, the only thing "Frost/Nixon," "Milk," "Doubt" and "Revolutionary Road" seem to have in common is potential for a nomination. However, though they each tackle wildly different subjects, what they share is a desire to examine moments of social change in America's not-so-distant past -- moments that carry relevance to modern audiences but would perhaps feel too incendiary if put in a contemporary setting.

By Lisa Rosen

December 17, 2008