Based on the novel by Walter Kirn, Up In The Air is the latest film from Jason Reitman, who previously directed the award winning Juno. The film follows Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) who spends 320 days a year flying across America carrying out his job; informing people that they’re losing their jobs and being made redundant.
As we follow Ryan across the many states of the US we learn that he’s quite fond of his isolated and private lifestyle, commitment to either a locality, a partner or even his family is unthinkable. He takes great pride in his job and executes his travel schedule with military precision as he clocks up the air miles. His dream is to reach the 10million milestone that will result in having a plane named after him.
…commitment to either a locality, a partner or even his family is unthinkable.
Things get interesting though when his company propose the introduction of technology that threatens his travelling light (mentally and physically) lifestyle. Obviously opposed to the idea of being replaced by a web camera and grounded indefinitely, Ryan suggests that Natalie (Anna Kendric) who proposed the modernisation changes should accompany him on his trips to see how the personal touch is still the best option for all involved.
Add to the mix the start of a casual relationship with Alex (Vera Farmiga), a woman who shares Ryan’s lonely travelling lifestyle, along with a return home to attend his sisters wedding, and the story develops with our protagonist starting to question his previously unshakable outlook on life.
…the story develops with our protagonist starting to question his previously unshakable outlook on life.
For such a strange, and what could have been uninspiring scenario, the script allows for a great amount of personal interaction, ideals and reflection that really appealed to me without coming across as ‘preachy’ or ‘schmaltzy’.
The film is well directed by Reitman and well acted by Clooney – and I’ve never really been a big fan of George Clooney. As with Juno, the film has a lovely sense of humour without having the need to be peppered with ‘laugh-out-loud’ jokes. A good soundtrack as was the case with Juno, adds interest and weight when required and overall I found it a very enjoyable watch.
Rating: 4.5/5
One final note is that I really liked the opening titles that feature some great aerial photography. Indeed, throughout the film these aerial shots were used to communicate which city the proceeding action was taking place.
