Up in the Air is a painfully honest film that not only looks into the lives of our three main leads but will cause a number of viewers to reflect back on their own in these troubling times.
Jason Reitman adapts the novel by Walter Kim into a funny and sad tale that takes us all across the country and into the life, or lack there of, of Ryan Bingham; played wonderfully by George Clooney. Bingham’s home is the airport, or should we say, airports. Living his life almost literally in the skies as he flies from company to company around the country as he is hired to come in and make employees redundant. This job has made him numb to the world and unable to make any real connections to just about anyone. Bingham even gives seminars about how to detach yourself from the things that hold you back and possess you instead of possessing them. We see him doing his job, which he does well, and the company he works for sells their business as helping these employees look toward their future and helping them cope with this traumatic moment in their life.
Bingham’s world is put into jeopardy when a young gun, Natalie, with the company plans to revolutionize this niche industry with web based meetings when they fire these unfortunate employees. To make things worse, Bingham is forced to take Natalie along the road to train her a bit and the two set out to downsize a number of companies across the country.
Natalie is played wonderfully by Anna Kendrick and has burst out on to the scene as a young actress to be reckoned with. She had shown some good work with Rocket Science and she is always going to be known for her work in Twilight, but this will be looked at as her coming out party. She is funny, kind of a tight ass, and does a fantastic job at capturing a young women’s life view. She also is marvelous as her idealized view of the world slowly crumbles and her melt down half way through the film is a highlight of the picture.
Vera Farmiga is wonderful as well as a love interest, if we can call it that, of Bingham who gets off on traveling, miles, and executive class clubs offered at hotels, rental companies, airlines, and airports. Her chemistry with Clooney is fantastic and you can’t help but be lit up by her appearance when she crosses paths with Bingham along their travels.
George Clooney delivers one of his finer performances of his career as the seemingly closed off Bingham. At first Clooney charisma is honorable through the tough job he has to perform, his charm and wit are as sharp as ever, and he is incredibly likeable even though he has detached himself from relationships. Clooney really shines as Bingham when he has to adjust to his changing world around him and he slowly realizes his life might not be what he wants any more.
The rest of the cast is rounded out by a strong ensemble full of comedy vets, Jason Bateman, Danny McBride, J.K. Simmons, Zach Galifianakis, and Sam Elliott. Most are regulated to a scene or two, with Bateman and McBride getting the most screen time out of these guys. What’s interesting about these guys is that they are notorious improvisers but neither of them really gets to showcase that at all and still remain very good in their respective roles; which is a good thing. Melanie Lynskey and Amy Morton also contribute fine work as Bingham’s sisters who show up at the later character’s wedding.
Reitman deserves a lot of credit as well for writing a solid script with Sheldon Turner and never giving into Hollywood moments. There isn’t one non-genuine moment in this film and that is a testament to Reitman’s vision which isn’t afraid to challenge the audience and not make it easy for them.
The film’s themes also really resonate with today, surrounding the need for change in our lives, the loss of jobs, and the horrible position it is presenting for so many Americans today. The film tackles the topics straight forwardly and captures the sadness and humor in the situation while still somehow inspiring some hope in a situation that seems hopeless.
In the end, Up in the Air is sweet, humorous, and topical for today’s social climate. Love is failing, jobs are disappearing, and our stars perfectly capture these emotions and the way they affect society. Reitman’s craft gets better with every film out and he continues to make the case as the best young director working today, now three for three with Thank You For Smoking, Juno, and Up in the Air. The performances from the three leads are quite great and Clooney gives one of his better turns in his career. Up in the Air will challenge your emotions and will not conform to what you are expecting and is a breath of fresh air for Hollywood produced drama.
Up in the Air is an A