The Descendants
There is a massive problem with George Clooney; a big one. A problem that everyone seems to overlook when they fall head other heals for his gorgeous eyes. If people put aside just how stunning he is (impossible but please avert your eyes, it’s important for your health.) Anyway, look passed the extremely chiselled face and ignore all his perfection to address one fact;
George Clooney can act.
Now, I know what you are thinking;
“Of course, he is a beloved actor and we all love him. He is epic!”
Because he is famous, but famous doesn’t necessarily mean talented. If you were to list the most impressive acting talents, I’d doubt Clooney would be your first thought. And that looming movie Batman & Robin still shadows all of our minds line a protruding nipple on a Bat-Suit.
But before the cloud of rage settles and you remind yourself that the movie actually happened, please take a couple of hours of your day to watch a stunning Clooney movie; The Descendants.
2011's The Descendants stars Clooney as Matt King, a Honolulu based lawyer who is struggling when his wife is put into a coma. When the doctors tell him that she is brain dead, due to an agreement with her, Matt decides to pull the plug. But before so, he must settle all debts that his wife has left behind as well as dealing with his daughters that he has been distant from. Unfortunately, on his travels, he finds out that his wife has been having an affair the his harmonious life on the island is shattered.
This Oscar Winning screenplay by Nat Faxon and Jim Rush, with help by director Alexander Payne means there is no room for fault here. If you have seen recent outing for the team with The Way Way Back, you’ll know that much weight is place on this humanistic silence and pleasance despite the troubles within. With the exception of the wayward teenager Alex, most characters try desparately to battle through death and infidelity. These conflicts are portrayed by great soul and realism that it is impossible to not get drawn into Matt’s story as he struggles to cope. The writing encapsulates this unknown island life, the people who inhabit it and greatly unfolds their stories with this strangely messy grace.
Clooney is incredible, absolutely incredible here as he carries the weight of Matt. He uses his skills to portray a broken man trying everything to keep peace between the family and the inner peace that he needs. A man on the verge of toppling, Matt has to pull back in order to take care of his young daughters and Clooney trembles with this underrated strength and poise. It is masterful to watch as he echoes this hurt and betrayal. He is outstanding.
Alexander Payne is certainly a king of utilising spirit with cinematography and famously has birthed some masterful performances from leading men (About Schmitt and Sideways.) Using the intensely beautiful Island life to enhance Matt’s isolation and need for preservation, Payne has done wonders. The Descendants conjures a spectrum of emotions from the light-hearted laidback life to the gut wrenching finale. It will make you laugh out loud then make you sob. It is such a beautiful, if not heart-wrenching movie.
TTFN
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