“The Descendants,” directed by Alexander Payne and starring George Clooney, is a guaranteed multiple Oscar nominee. It has everything a top film should have: perceptive directing, beautiful acting, insightful script and real emotions. Plus it’s George Clooney’s best work, even better than last year’s Up In the Air. The movie opens with a voiceover in which Matt King (Clooney) attempts to explain that Hawaiians experience all of the trials and tribulations that everyone else faces even though they live in what many consider a paradise. Hawaii is just like any other place – there’s homelessness, disease and heartbreak. Matt’s wife, Elizabeth, is the victim of a boating accident, leaving her in a coma and he suddenly finds himself in charge of 10-year-old Scotty (Amara Miller) and 17-year-old Alexandra (Shailene Woodley). He considers himself the ‘backup parent,’ but it’s obvious that now he has to take a more active role, something he’s not ready for. As part of their Hawaiian legacy, Matt and his extended family of cousins own the largest remaining tract of pristine land on Kauai, which is being held in trust. And time is running out. So adding to Matt’s stress is the decision he must make about this land. His cousins want him to sell it, which would net everyone lots of money. If he doesn’t sell it and the trust ends, the land goes to the state
Despite the dark subject matter about a family who’s facing a loss, the script, written by Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, manages to be sad without being overly sentimental, funny without being insensitive and a thoroughly enjoyable film. And Clooney is pitch-perfect as a man who discovers the wife he loves has been having an affair, but because she’s in a coma, there’s no way for him to confront her. Clooney’s Matt must process his anger, grief, love and loss simultaneously all while providing support for his daughters. And the supporting cast is full of exceptional performances, especially Woodley, as the troubled but intelligent Alex. Her rapport with Clooney is one of the reasons this film works. Also effective is Nick Krause, as Sid, Alex’s friend. He’s clueless and caring, genuine and sincere and he knows what Alex is going through. Payne, using Hawaiian landscapes, people and most of all music to great effect, has created a multilayered story with perfect doses of comedy and tragedy. 10/26/11
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