Up in the Air (2009)

November 15, 2022 2:33 PM

An idea from a young, new co-worker (Anna Kendrick) would put an end to the constant travel of corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), so he takes her on a tour to demonstrate the importance of face-to-face meetings with those they must fire. While mentoring his colleague, he arranges hookups with another frequent-flier (Vera Farmiga), and his developing feelings for the woman prompt him to see others in a new light.

Also starring Sam Elliott, Amy Morton, Jason Bateman, Melanie Lynskey, J.K. Simmons, Danny McBride, Zach Galifianakis, Tamala Jones.

Directed by Jason Reitman. Screenplay by Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner. Based on the novel by Walter Kirn.

90% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Currently streaming in the US on Netflix and Hoopla. Justwatch listing.

posted by DirtyOldTown (5 comments total)

Post inspired by MeFite box's request for a film that was markedly better than the book it was based on. For me, this totally is.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 2:34 PM on November 15, 2022 [1 favorite]

The moments that most stick in my memory are the meeting at the bar, with the one-upmanship about frequent flier programs, and the surprise at the door of her home, with the ambient noises of family behind her.
posted by brainwane at 4:58 AM on November 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

Love love love this movie. The open credits introduced me to Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings with her incredible version of This Land Is Your Land. Clooney is peak Clooney for me here (also in Syriana with a very different vibe). His isolation and attempts at connecting... chef's kiss.
posted by kokaku at 5:40 AM on November 16, 2022

Ryan Bingham : You know that moment when you look into somebody's eyes and you can feel them staring into your soul and the whole world goes quiet just for a second?

Natalie Keener : Yes.

Ryan Bingham : [shrugs] Right. Well, I don't.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:13 AM on November 16, 2022 [2 favorites]

I really like this film. The scene that always gets me is right at the end when he's on the Airtrain back to O'Hare, and she calls him on the phone and tells him he's a parenthesis in her life. You can see his heart breaking, a really subtle performance from Clooney.
posted by essexjan at 2:35 PM on November 16, 2022