Up in the Air (2009)

I love Jason Reitman. I don’t know what it is about him, specifically, but both in Thank You For Smoking (2005) and Juno (2007), he showed an honesty in his film-making that really connects with me. And while I loved Juno and still find it the most enjoyable of Reitman’s films, I think Up in the Air tops it in terms of quality of filmmaking.

Up in the Air is about a man, played by George Clooney, whose job it is to travel around the world and lay off employees. He spends all but 40 days of the year traveling, where he packs light, both figuratively and literally. While he’s charming, outgoing, and personable, he doesn’t bring relationships with family or loved ones on the road. He lives his life in a single-serving, tailored just the way he likes it. When his company decides to move to a move teleconferencing solution, changing his way of life, he takes a young woman, responsible for the change, on the road to show her the value in his work.

This is one of those movies that I look back on loving, but without a clear reason as to why. There is nothing about the plot or character development that is particularly spectacular, but again, the honesty in the storytelling makes it very attractive. The movie doesn’t pander to its audience. It doesn’t set up jokes or unneeded conflict. It’s quiet. It’s subtle. It’s clean.

And it’s beautifully shot….noticeably so. The scenes with Clooney traveling, having only himself to please, are incredibly even, centered, and perfect. There is clear juxtaposition when Clooney is forced out of his comfort zone, where the scenes are shot handheld. And there is a clear warmth to these new segments. It’s little things like that, along with great use of symbolism and real characters, that makes this movie great.

I think that Up in the Air may quietly be one of the best films of the year. It’s a movie for people who appreciate films that don’t go down the beaten path and are able to draw their enjoyment from the subtlety of performances. This is a movie that respects its audience and asks them to figure it out. And there is no right or wrong.