Up in the Air

Up in the Air (2009)
Directed by Jason Reitman
Length: 109 minutes
Rated R for language and some sexual content





Movies often have a way of emulating real life: the pain, joys, and adventures the everyday person goes through in his/her life. Though we may never explore a lost Aztec temple in search of gold, outrun the destruction of the world in a limo, or stop a psychotic ax murderer, we all have adventures of a different type that shape the person we become. Steps in life that will dictate who you are - marriage, your first job, school, traveling...or even the adventures we'd rather not think about like death, mortality, and losing our job. As the first decade of the millennium comes to a conclusion, Up in the Air is the perfect cap on one of the most challenging times in a long time - a decade marked by financial success only to be followed by recession; the ability to be connected at all times, only to lose the human element to life.

Based on the novel of the same title, Up in the Air follows Ryan Bingham, played by George Clooney (Fantastic Mr. Fox, The American), a hatchet man who travels the country firing people for bosses lacking the fortitude to do it themselves. Employing the philosophy of no possessions, no connections, constant movement, Ryan sums it up best we he says, "Humans are sharks" - our constant need for movement and change has led Ryan to the philosophy of live life out of a suitcase on the road. Relying on the "antiquated" notion of humane touch, Ryan has become the czar of firing people but quickly spinning a "grass is greener" approach. With the goal of obtaining 10 million frequent flier miles, Ryan's quest is threatened by the changes proposed by the young up-and-comer Natalie, played by Anna Kendrick (New Moon, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), who wants to implement layoffs via a web-cam transmission in the name of cost efficiency.

Jason Reitman is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors. Few have mastered the art of a damaged, jackass protagonist who audiences wind up cheering for in the end. Clooney's performance is well deserving of the Oscar buzz being generated. Often the cool, collected, suave character, Clooney has taken his usual role to new heights. Ryan is a confident character who believes in his idioms and philosophies, the idea of "keep your backpack light". As Ryan is influenced by not only Natalie, but also Vera Farmiga's (Orphan, Henry's Crime) Alex, a female version of Ryan who he quickly begins to develop serious feelings for, he begins to call into question his idea that we all die alone eventually. The tragedy of Ryan is heart wrenching and indeed provides plenty of tearjerker moments. Clooney has succeeded in portraying a debonair traveler suffering from a zeitgeist-esq change in life of "what now?"

Personally, the film hit home on a lot of elements. My mother was "let go" from her job of over twenty years in April of 2009, a situation repeated all too often over the last couple of years. It is one thing to know someone who has lost their job or even to have a family member affected; it is another thing to witness the process. From anger and outrage to sadness and suicidal threats, it is difficult to watch as a person has their entire world ripped from under their feet. With mounting costs and pressures, this poignant look at the process of firing a person truly touches on all fronts. I found myself on the verge of tears on numerous occasions as I wondered what went through my mother's head when she was "let go".

If the reflection on layoffs in modern society were not enough, the look at modern relationships is also incredibly personal and frightening. Natalie represents the new generation, a twenty-three year old recent college grad with plans of being married, white picket fence, 2.5 kids, etc - the focused, efficient worker who attempts to compartmentalize every aspect of his/her life into a plan that has been decided on early in life. Ryan represents the free spirit, living for today with no intentions of marriage or children. As the roles are reversed between the two, you will be left an emotional wreck; I struggled to hold back tears as I left the theater struggling with a plethora of emotions and thoughts ranging from respect and concern for my unemployed mother, to doubts about relationships and love, to thoughts on my future career and goals.

Up in the Air is the perfect film for right now. Offering a real look at the difficulties we face in today's modern society, Reitman has succeeded in every regard in delivering an emotional and touching film that will reflect the last decade as well as the transition between the past generation to mine. As we prepare to enter Oscar season, make sure you see this film. Though it certainly has plenty of laughs, be warned this plane does experience some turbulence that will leave you soul searching at its conclusion.

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
Ryan Bingham: "Never get behind old people. Their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left. Bingo, Asians. They pack light, travel efficiently, and have a thing for slip-on shoes. Gotta love'em."

Natalie Keener: "That's racist."

Ryan Bingham: "I'm like my mother, I stereotype. It's faster."


Oscar Nominations:
Best Motion Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role - George Clooney
Best Supporting Actress - Vera Farmiga
Best Supporting Actress - Anna Kendrick
Best Achievement in Directing - Jason Reitman
Best Adapted Screenplay