cheerless

Up in the Air is a jolt in the subconscious. The pervading theme of the film is more about a documentary on the tenuous economic times rather than a magnified vicissitudes on frequent flyer miles. Less of a salesman but more of a purveyor of gloom, Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) travels from places to places, cities to cities across America to fire people whose bosses don't have the balls to do the jobs themselves. It's a grim snapshot of life. Bingham thrives in the regurgitated air, in the virtues of travelling light and savouring the comforts and discounts of opulent travel. Shouldn't the travel miles be billed to the company rather than the individual?

As a candidate for Mr. Bingham's affection Vera Farmiga oozes an exquisite screen presence. She's so beautiful. As the perky, go-getting new kid on the block, Anna Kendrick hits the spot. Their characters are so well-written, that they are the wonderful foil to the charms of George Clooney. Bingham doesn't much have of a dilemma. He has a motivational speaking career on the side. He doesn't want to get married. He lives in his suitcase. His flat in Omaha, his company's headquarters, where he stays 43 days a year is bare, like a hotel room. But still, you talk about running away from commitments then boom, you fall for some girl. Then boom, there lies the alluvial sediments of a desolate journey. He's just as melancholic as the people he fires.