The bad economy has been a major topic in nearly every medium. You can't go one single hour, it seems, without reading, hearing or talking about the stagnant housing market, job market and how perilous each indicator of economic strength may prove to be. Up until last night, I hadn't seen a movie that really symbolized the feeling of the economic situation. "Up in the Air" isn't about the economy, per se, but it wouldn't be as effective without the massive amounts of layoffs that have been taking place in the last few years. But there's a lot more to it than that.
George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a "career transition counselor" or as he describes it: "the person who sacks somebody when their boss doesn't have the [courage] to do it." His company is based in Omaha, Neb., but Bingham travels everywhere: Tulsa, Wichita, Miami, Detroit, St. Louis. He is good at his job, and can walk in and tell someone they've been "let go" even as they stare at him, never having seen him in their life. Bingham also is a motivational speaker, giving talks at conferences about "What's in your backpack?" and basically advising people to let go of their relationships and problems to live a simpler, less complex life. Bingham clearly lives by this philosophy, traveling more than 270 days a year, firing people for a living. During his travels, Bingham meets Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), another frequent flier/traveler. They compare cards, proving to one another how much they travel, and in their world, how exclusive they may be. They begin a romantic relationship, both seemingly living by the same philosophy of casual sex and no commitments. They check schedules to plan other meeting points when their paths cross in different cities.
Bingham is called back to Omaha for an all company meeting. Once there, his boss Craig Gregory (Jason Bateman) introduces the team to a young, up and comer that is revolutionizing their business. Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) is a recent graduate of Cornell who has come up with a video link system that will eliminate traveling by the firing squad and allow them to work from Omaha. Bingham, clearly a veteran and one of the best workers, is not happy because he admits, he loves flying, traveling and being anonymous. Before they implement the system, Gregory asks Bingham to take Keener on the road with him to show her the ropes, and how the whole operation works.
Immediately the differences, stark and obvious, between the two become pronounced. Bingham is the savvy, veteran traveler while Keener shows up with luggage to check, clearly a violation of any Bingham philosophy. She is young and idealistic, he is a grizzled veteran who knows his profession inside and out. It is clear from the beginning that she might not have the stomach to fire people.
I really enjoyed this film. The characters are well developed and interesting, presenting different viewpoints that tell a complete story. Sure, it's somewhat predicatable and follows a somewhat familiar storyline, but Clooney is perfect in the role and Farmiga is excellent as well. It's kind of funny because the role almost mirrors bachelor Clooney's real life, at least as portrayed in the media. There are funny parts and a good cast, but it is also sad and somewhat real, with deeper storylines than just what the plot synopsis can really give. It's worth seeing and an interesting movie. It won't necessarily make you happy, but it has a genuine message that people can relate to. The fact that Clooney, Farmiga, director Jason Reitman and the whole film were nominated for Oscars says a lot too. The aerial shots Reitman utilizes are pretty cool as well, including the opening sequence and the different cities Bingham travels to. It's a thought provoking film, and may cause you to evaluate or reevaluate your own life.
"Up in the Air" is rated R for some sexual content/brief nudity and language. Some more adult themes.
8 out of 10 stars.
Here's the trailer:
