Up in the Air

"Ryan Bingham is 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 just after he's met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams."

The new film from Jason Reitman(Juno, Thank You for not Smoking) sees Clooney superbly cast as a man with no ties and no connections who lives his life on the road. His life begins to change when 2 women enter his live. Alex (Vera Formega), the woman who shares his passions and Natalie (Kendrick), the new young gun at work who threatens his way of life. This film looks into aspects of corporate America (in the same vein as Thank You..), connections, relationships and family.

As the 2 women begin to change how Ryan sees his life and priorities. His sisters funeral makes him realise what he's been missing. But the grass isn't greener.

Huge credit has to be given to the studio for the trailer which doesn't spoil any of the film. I find this a rare comodity of late. Clooney's business is one of corporate downsizing but this really isn;t the story.

The plot and dialogue are exceptional with some very clever snappy exchanges and use of language. This is snappily directed and the 3 main protagonists are all excellent (I'd be surprised if Clooney doesn't get an Oscar nomination for this). Its a very brave film. It doesn't give answers or confirm to norms. It doesn't leave you feeling happy or uplifted (I quite frankly left feeling depressed and deflated). There are no judgements and there is no closure.

Unfortunately, the factors that make it a brave film also make it unsatisfying. We're nurtured in a certain way and you just can;t fly against convention easily. The ambiguity will not please a lot of people and the ending leave you up in the air..

7/10