As we enter the heavy awards season in Hollywood, there are always the few films that radiate academy awards buzz. Not surprisingly, the Jason Reitman directed, George Clooney starring romantic comedy/drama Up In The Air is one of them.
Looking at many of these types of films from last year, i was met with mostly disappointment. Yet this years award season proves to be a great step up, especially in the form of this film.
Based on a 2001 novel, the film tells the tale of Ryan Bingham, an almost ever travelling the country making a living firing employees as a corporate downsizing expert on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles who encounters a series of events and people, such as a new young downsizer forced to follow him on the road (Anna Kendrick) and a new love affair (Vera Famiga) that cause him to address what he truly values in his life.
Ever since Sofia Coppola’s amazing Lost In Translation, Hollywood has realised the true power of life affirming independant comedy dramas, and what a wonderful thing these movies are, and such a great treat for movie goers world-wide (when done well of course).
This film marks the third directorial feature for director Jason Reitman, the son of the great Ivan Reitman, and already in this short career has Jason not only surpassed his father in terms of awards kudos, but also in quality of film. While Ivan was responsible for many classic films, most notetably, the Ghostbusters series. Yet with Jason, from 2005’s brilliant satire Thank You For Smoking, 2007’s hilarious, touching and just gosh-darn cool Juno and his latest Up In The Air, shows a superior filmmaking talent which is on the grow. While Thankyou For Smoking brought him on the scene, Juno made him noticed and sought after, Up In The Air places him into the league of big young directors.
Before viewing, i felt raw by the fact this film beat Inglourious Basterds for best screenplay during the Golden Globes, yet upon viewing, i found myself feeling much better, with the script being a tight, well written yarn, bringing light to a unique, not particularly seen subject mixed with universal human ideals, not to mention a great dose of comedic dialogue and touching dramatic scenes.
These written words are also brought to life with great effect by the great cast. George Clooney proves he is truly in his golden period, infusing Bingham with his signature charm which only he could accomplish (the closest thing to Cary Grant in this modern period). He shows also his versitility for switching between comedy (his hilarious obsession with cards) and drama (the deeper life issues on his mind) with great, natural ease, and effortless control (as presented in his many speeches) also making what would seem a very unpleasant character so very likable right until the every end. Although he fails to look anything but uncool when he dances, which proves awkward, but maybe that was the purpose.
He shares excellent chemestry with all of his co-stars, who are also great. Anna Kendrick bursts out of nowhere to make a fantastically tight and naive character into the young downsizer, Natalie Keener. She effectively creates the classic young go-getter, mixing well with Clooney’s older world-savvy Bingham, who realises she is in way over her head in life, and she makes it very engaging, believable and at many points, very funny (take the airport breakdown).
The Departed’s Vera Farmiga as the country trotting love interest Alex Goran gives another great female perspective, one with great charm and chemestry with Clooney. She makes the affair feel real and lights up the screen with her beauty (as oft pointed out by other characters). What is fantastic also is the way her character directs, and affects Bingham, especially in the latter stages, which prove crushingly powerful.
These performances show how well Reitman can direct his actors, in a way, creating an environment in which they interact with ease. The smaller roles also work too. Reitman regular, Jason Bateman effectively portrays Bingham’s boss, who brings a great coldness to the role yet maintains his likable warmth (similar to how he was used in Juno in a way). Pineapple Express’ Danny McBride presents a departure from his recurring role of crazed weapon-head making for quite a withdrawn but effective hapless husband-to-be for Binghams sister, he is delightfully average in the most positive way. His role is small, but is ever present in the film, as his frozen expression via Bingham’s cardboard cutout makes for much hilarity. The Hangover star Zach Galifianakis excells comedically in his cameo as a sacked worker, instantly instilling his magic of making audiences laugh and constantly smile. Even another Reitman regular J.K. Simmons makes the most of his small scene, also reserved by dramatically effective. It’s always a great treat to see such familiar faces scattered across an already wonderful cast.
Reitman also delves deeper, by employing a handpicked group of real recently unemployed workers to speak to the camera share the feelings of their own sacking. This simple touch creates great realism, as well as showing the true affects of the subject at hand, connecting the real world of today.
The look and structure of the film is chrisp and easy to follow, also employing some breathtaking air shots of the earth below, used with great affect in the stylistic opening titles. Reitman also makes excellent progression with cinematography with corporate scenes being controlled and often still, whereas in a family atmosphere becomes free and employs some well-done, yet not overbearing handycam shots (usually i would not be a fan of such a style). Reitman has also picked his soundtrack well yet again, perfectly aiding and accentuating the feel of the narrative, for example the late great talent that is Elliot Smith, and the final title song “Up In The Air” by Kevin Renick, who cleverly announces his recent unemployment.
In the end, this film is a delightful experience, who deserves any kudos it may recieve. It makes for a perfect blend of comedy, satire, contempory issues, drama, deeper human morals and ideals and romance. Like Lost In Translation, it’s an experience that will be a joy to return to, as it is funny, confronting, touching and unique story that will not be told or end how you may believe. In short, it is a breath of fresh air.
5/5
