Up in the Air
First screened in December 2009 / Most recently screened in June 2014
Director: Jason Reitman. Cast: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, Amy Morton, Melanie Lynskey, Danny McBride, Zach Galifianakis, J.K. Simmons, Sam Elliott. Screenplay: Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner (based on the novel by Walter Kirn).

 Twitter Capsule: Rich, even ambitious adult drama discombobulated by clumsy stabs at addressing zeitgeist. Revealing disarray at end.

VOR: ③  Post-recession thematizing, however ham-handed, shows some effort. Adult POV is nice. Actresses on fire. Key Clooney film.


Photo © 2009 Paramount Pictures

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: C+

(in May 2006: C–)

Academy Award Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director: Jason Reitman
Best Actor: George Clooney
Best Supporting Actress: Vera Farmiga
Best Supporting Actress: Anna Kendrick
Best Adapted Screenplay: Jason Reitman & Sheldon Turner

Golden Globe Nominations and Winners:
Best Picture (Drama)
Best Director: Jason Reitman
Best Actor (Drama): George Clooney
Best Supporting Actress: Vera Farmiga
Best Supporting Actress: Anna Kendrick
★Best Screenplay: Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner

Other Awards:
New York Film Critics Circle: Best Actor (Clooney; also cited for Fantastic Mr. Fox)
Los Angeles Film Critics Association: Best Screenplay
National Board of Review: Best Picture; Best Actor (Clooney; tie); Best Supporting Actress (Kendrick); Best Adapted Screenplay
British Academy Awards (BAFTAs): Best Adapted Screenplay
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