Movie/TV Show Being Reviewed:
Up in The Air

Reviewer:
Andrew Cline

Genre:
Drama

Movies/TV Shows:
Movie

Suggested AgeRange:
Parental Guidance

AgeRange Explained:
Rated R for Language and Sexual Content

Subject Headings:
Grief & loss, Relationships

Review:
Up in the Air (2009) centers on Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a corporate down-sizer thriving in the midst of a recession. A perpetual traveler, Ryan forgoes a stable home in favor of his coveted frequent flyer miles and in his spare time delivers his "What’s in Your Backpack?” Speech in hotel convention rooms, encouraging audience members to shed as much of their interpersonal baggage as possible. Ryan avoids forming any meaningful relationships while he hops between major American cities, delivering the bad news to countless ex-employees. However, Ryan’s lifestyle and budding romance is threatened when he is tasked with mentoring Natalie, a new hire with plans to ground the downsizing industry using video technology.

This film is relevant for counselors in many instances. The importance of human connectedness and Ryan’s avoidance of interpersonal relationships is a central theme. Ryan’s arrogant loner stance toward others helps him approach his job with a nonchalance that becomes increasingly disconcerting with each grieving individual that is fired. Through his romantic involvement with Alex, a fellow traveler with a similar lifestyle, Ryan realizes the value of intimate relationships and the need to reconcile with his immediate family. Grief and loss are also prominent. The firing scenes were filmed with real people who had lost their jobs, and were directed to respond as they had in reality. This imbues these scenes with a palpable suffering, one that gives the audience a window into how real people think, feel, and act in such a volatile climate.