Number 30: Up in the Air Review

A caveat before you gather your friends for a viewing of Jason Reitman’s latest film; if you’ve hardly gotten over the awkwardly charming, mall-indie phenomenon that was “Juno” and have spent the years since its release seeking out every oh-wow-it-looks-like-someone-handwrote-the-title film in existence, don’t be fooled by clever marketing. Despite the fact that the words “From the Director of ‘Juno’” are almost as prominent on the DVD’s cover as the title of the film, this is not that. That is not say, however, that fans of Reitman’s previous work will not be pleased with “Up In The Air,” starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick, all in Oscar nominated roles. While Reitman’s fingerprints are present, here he trades in the sexual naiveté of the barely-pubescent for the unsettling reactions of the newly unemployed.
It should be noted that “Up In The Air,” aptly given a winter release to theaters, is not particularly uplifting. Then again, neither were the last two years and that is where “Up In The Air” finds its context. While the film does elicit the occasional laugh, thanks in no small part to the contributions of Jason Bateman and Zach Galifianakis, it is ultimately the sobering tale of identities in crisis.
George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, (not to be confused with the singer-songwriter of the same name responsible for the Oscar winning theme from “Crazy Heart”), the film’s occasional narrator and a man who receives a paycheck for notifying employees across the country that they can no longer count on theirs. That is, he fires people on behalf of companies who’d rather not do the deed themselves. Not surprisingly, Clooney is great, portraying a man who finds more comfort in the airport conveniences earned by his frequent-flyer status than the presence of any meaningful human connection. Still, he finds a kindred spirit, also “turned on by elite status,” in Alex Goran played by Vera Farmiga. Her talent for portraying a strong female character is on display here and she more than holds her own opposite the imposing Clooney. Stellar performances by both are to be expected. After all, Clooney is an Oscar regular and Farmiga even stands out in the Hollywood who’s who that was “The Departed.” Anna Kendrick, however, is the surprise here as determined newcomer, Natalie Keener. Her idealist youth collides with Clooney’s jaded age, exposing the flaws in both and providing the film with its poignant theme.
Upon seeing the film, a friend remarked to me that it is “basically just people sitting around talking to each other.” After several condescending sarcastic remarks, I found myself unable to completely disagree. “Up In The Air,” yet another film based on a book, watches like one. Stunning shots from 30,000 feet serve as breaks between what can be slow moving dialogue-heavy chapters. It is a movie entirely dependent on above average performances by its actors, and it is precisely because of those performances that it works. “Up In The Air” is not an escape from reality. If anything it is an immersion in it that is mostly troubling. It is not a film that can be watched so much as dealt with and in that regard, what is an achievement for the filmmakers is a heavy handful for the viewer.