The story of a man ready to make a connection.|Sep. 05, 2009|United States|110 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Romance
Description: Ryan Bingham works for a human resources consultancy firm that specializes in employment termination assistance. His job involves traveling across the country to conduct layoffs on behalf of employers. Ryan also delivers motivational speeches, using the metaphor “What’s in Your Backpack?” to encourage a life free from burdensome relationships and material possessions. As a frequent flyer, he aims to earn ten million American Airlines frequent flyer miles. During his travels, Ryan meets Alex, a fellow frequent traveler, and they start a casual relationship, meeting in different cities whenever their schedules align.
Ryan is called back to his company’s headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, where Natalie Keener, a young and ambitious new hire, suggests reducing costs by conducting layoffs via videoconferencing. Ryan disagrees, arguing that the system is impersonal and that Natalie lacks the experience to handle emotionally vulnerable individuals. To address this, Ryan’s boss, Craig, assigns Natalie to accompany him on his next round of terminations to observe the process.
As they travel together, Ryan teaches Natalie how to navigate airports efficiently, using smaller luggage and moving quickly through security. Along the way, Natalie questions Ryan’s life philosophy, particularly his views on relationships and commitment. However, Ryan remains steadfast in defending his lifestyle. During the trip, Natalie’s boyfriend breaks up with her via text message, leaving her devastated. Ryan and Alex comfort her. During a test run of the video termination system, Ryan’s concerns are proven valid when an employee
Cast director: Jason Reitman
Cast actor: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Sam Elliott, Amy Morton, Jason Bateman, Melanie Lynskey, J.K. Simmons, Danny McBride, Zach Galifianakis
Original name: Up in the Air