A much anticipated Special Presentation at this year’s festival from Jason Reitman, the Oscar-nominated director of "Juno," is dramatic comedy, "Up in the Air" starring Oscar winner George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and after he’s met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams.
This extremely witty, sharp and poignant dramatic comedy is more about loyalty and connections than just the kind made from mileage points. It’s an adept exploration of our changing culture which has embraced technology and the speed and conveniences these advances have brought, but may have done so at a cost, a lost connection to what is real.
Clooney’s character has the typical confidence and swagger we have grown accustomed to from his roles, but what’s so surprisingly sweet is the emptiness and vulnerability we witness in addition to his personal growth as Ryan realises there is much more to life than hitting the 10 million mile mark.
Exploring themes like these could have resulted in a schmaltzy film, but with the adaption of the Walter Kirn novel in the very capable hands of writers Reitman and Sheldon Turner, the script is sharp, clever, and stirring. Reitman’s direction captures the tenor of America's current social and economic turmoil, infusing it with fun and sex appeal.
Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick in supporting performances prove they can go toe-to-toe with Clooney. In all, a beautifully entertaining yet intelligent work from one of Hollywood’s most unique young directors.
