image courtesy of imbd.com
He is an HR specialist who flies around the country firing employees of corporate America. He is an expert in living out of a suitcase and in airport lounges. He is an avid collector of loyalty cards. He is super focussed on racking up mileage points. He calls each flight he takes, “home”. He is estranged from his family. He seems distant, cold and calculating. He is good at his job. This is how we get to know the lead character, Ryan Bingham (George Clooney).
But life as he knows it is about to change, as he is called back to the office. In steps Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), a newcomer with a concept that will revolutionise the way the company does business. Or will Ryan be able to convince her otherwise? Ryan also meets the female version of himself (she says), a rather ballsy no-nonsense character, Alex Goran, played by Vera Farmiga. As the story unfolds, we see the relationship between Natalie and Ryan develop in an interesting and surprising way. And romance seems to blossom between Ryan and Alex. We are kept wondering if this will be just another cheesy romantic comedy ending? We also see him interact with his family, like a fish out of water, and see a more vulnerable side of his character.
There is a touch of sadness as we realise the lonely life of a travelling businessman.
Up In The Air is certainly not your average comedy and definitely not what I had expected. Great performances both from Clooney and his co-stars.
