Up in the Air (2009)

Ryan Bingham enjoys living out of a suitcase for his job, travelling around the country firing people, but finds that lifestyle threatened by the presence of a potential love interest, and a new hire presenting a new business model.

Director:

Jason Reitman

Writers:

Walter Kirn (novel), Jason Reitman (screenplay)

Stars:

George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick

Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 76 wins & 163 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George Clooney	...	Ryan Bingham
Vera Farmiga	...	Alex Goran
Anna Kendrick	...	Natalie Keener
Jason Bateman	...	Craig Gregory
Amy Morton	...	Kara Bingham
Melanie Lynskey	...	Julie Bingham
J.K. Simmons	...	Bob
Sam Elliott	...	Maynard Finch
Danny McBride	...	Jim Miller
Zach Galifianakis	...	Steve
Chris Lowell	...	Kevin
Steve Eastin	...	Samuels
Marvin Young	...	Young MC
Cut Chemist	...	Conference DJ
Adrienne Lamping	...	Tammy

Storyline

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-traveller woman of his dreams.

---

Plot Keywords:

on the road | downsizing | travel | job termination | business trip | 

---

Taglines:

Arriving soon

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some sexual content

Did You Know?

Trivia

Vera Farmiga used a body double for her nude scene. In an interview she stated she has no problem being naked in a film, but she had recently given birth and "The breast milk running down would have been inappropriate."

---

Goofs

When the photographer is taking a picture of the wedding party in front of the church, you can briefly see a "Maplewood Methodist Church" sign on the right hand side. Although the scene was filmed in Maplewood, Missouri, the wedding takes place at a Lutheran Church in Waupaca, Wisconsin. All other sign designations identifying the church were changed to fit the location in the film, except this one.

---

Quotes

Ryan Bingham: [narrating last lines] Tonight most people will be welcomed home by jumping dogs and squeling kids and thousands more will ask about their day and tonight they'll sleep. The stars will wheel forth from their daytime hiding places; and one of those lights, slightly brighter than the rest, will be my wingtip passing over.

---

Crazy Credits

Over the end credits, the camera glides over the clouds. Much like the view from a plane.

---

Connections

Referenced in Cannibal Guys: A Conversation with Ivan Reitman and Daniel Goldberg (2010)

---

Soundtracks

Be Yourself
(1971)
Written by Graham Nash and Terry Reid (as Terence Reid)
Performed by Graham Nash
Courtesy of Graham Nash
By Arrangement with Warner Music Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

Breathes New Air...

Director Jason Reitman, that has brought us great Indie classics such as Thank You for Smoking and Juno has crafted his most personal and most effective portrait to date, Up in the Air. The film stars George Clooney, also giving his most intimate and beautiful performance of his career, as Ryan, a traveling "Firing-Man," who plans on racking up as much frequent flyer miles as he can. Completely void of human connection and emotion, even from his two sisters, one of which is getting married, Ryan seems completely content with his choice of living. All seems well until he meets his female version in the beautiful and charismatic Alex, played with sexual force and intensity by Vera Farmiga. At the same time, a change at his job makes him acquire a student, Natalie, played with sensitivity and vigor by Anna Kendrick, to learn the ropes of the business before potentially making a devastating change to Ryan's way of life.

The film, based on the book of the same title, is a moving and witty piece of cinema. The line deliveries given are some of the best liners of the year. The adaptation by Reitman and Sheldon Turner is of beautiful and social importance in today's day and age. There was no better time than now, to bring a film like this to the table. Dana E. Glauberman's crisp and precise editing sets the pace as we travel with Ryan in this beautiful account. Reitman's direction shows he's a force to be reckoned with and should be in full blown force for Oscar consideration along with the adaptation shared with Turner.

George Clooney, who's having one hell of a year along with his other comedic turn in The Men Who Stare at Goats, gains sympathy and emotion from the viewer, which up until now, Clooney had always struggled for. The role is right up Clooney's alley and with humorous strength, conveys the pain and loneliness of an otherwise charming man successfully.

Vera Farmiga as Alex, is a beautiful as she is dark, and as sexy as she is ugly. Farmiga has finally landed the right role that, in her years of wrong place at the wrong time, should land her a first-time Oscar nomination. Never showing her hand, Farmiga keeps and earns your trust, attention, and admiration. It's one of the most divisive and structurally brilliant supporting turns of the year.

Seemingly not playing with a full deck is Natalie, played most beautifully by Anna Kendrick, who portrays brains don't equal smart choices. Kendrick earns your care and concern for the character, as she follows Ryan around and constantly badgers him about happiness and love, she naïvely and courageously shows the tenderest parts of youth in today's world. Kendrick will likely be sitting along side Farmiga at Oscar's ceremony.

Jason Bateman, playing Craig Gregory, the boss in charge, is amusing in a brief but memorable role. Amy Morton and Melanie Lynsky, who play Ryan's sisters, are valuable and sufficient enough to book end a wonderful tale. Danny McBride, an outstanding comic talent to watch, is as good as ever. And finally, in otherwise cameos, Sam Elliott and the great Zack Galifianakis are uproarious in their respective roles.

This could very well be the crowd and critical pleaser of the year. It has what the 2004 film Sideways lacked, the emotional edge. Long after the film, you take these characters home with you and remind yourself of its authenticity in delivery, poise, and premise. Up in the Air is one of the best pictures of the year. ****/****

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 December 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Up in the Air

Filming Locations:

Cheshire Inn, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,181,450, 6 December 2009

Gross USA:

$83,823,381

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$166,842,739

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Cold Spring Pictures, DreamWorks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1