As the release of Up in the Air drew near, positive buzz began to swirl. I saw talk of it being the best picture of the year and George Clooney's performance being one of the best of the year. Of course, I bought into the hype a little bit and went into my screening rather anxious about what I was about to experience. When the film was over, I was left there with a smile on my face. I really rather enjoyed the experience, although I was not left with the warm idea that this was the best of the year. I will admit there is something edgy and special about the film. It may not be at the top of the year's best films list but it is a singular experience that I am glad to have had.
Director Jason Reitman (who also co-wrote the script) has crafted a film that is the antithesis of what we expect from Hollywood. It is the anti-blockbuster, if you will. It is filled with lingering shots and sedate camera movements, and prizes dialogue and performance over effects and speed. Reitman (son of Ghostbusters helmer Ivan Reitman) has a mere three films under his belt, but they are all accessible films made in the Hollywood system that have an intelligence that should be celebrated. I find his work fascinating in that a pattern is emerging from the projects he works on — his films are identifiable as Reitman films yet do not have a stand-out visual style. Perhaps that is his style, to stand back and accentuate the content, let the screenplay and the actors tell the story. He is an interesting young talent with a bright future.
Up in the Air is about our relationships and the ways that we disconnect ourselves. Our society seems to continuously move away from the intimate relationships, content to deal with our friends in a more abstract way. This movie shows relationships that are up in the air, in a state of flux as a new reality intrudes on their turf.
.jpg?t=20120209092158)
Article comments