The Descendants

by Brian Miller

When George Clooney first catapulted to the A-List with his portrayal as the dashing Dr. Ross on NBC’s smash-hit ER, it was impossible to predict the heights to which he would soar. After starring in cinematic hits such as OUT OF SIGHT, OCEAN’S 11, and O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU, the actor tackled writing and directing as well, wowing critics and audiences alike with the subtle and outstanding GOODNIGHT AND GOOD LUCK. In 2011, he tackled the trifecta again, serving as star, writer, and director of the super-charged political thriller IDES OF MARCH. As captivating as the film was, Clooney’s best work of the year was yet to come.
In Alexander Payne’s brilliant dramedy THE DESCENDANTS, Clooney plays Matt King, a lawyer, husband, and father who must come to terms with a catastrophic accident. While riding in a speed boat, his wife was catapulted from the craft, and was rendered comatose. Suddenly, the distant father (a self-described “back-up parent”) is forced to become the primary caregiver to his 10-year-old daughter Scottie (Amara Miller) and 17-year-old daughter Alex (Shailene Woodley). Things go from bad to worse when he not only learns that his wife will never regain consciousness, but that she was having an affair at the time of the accident.
Forcing its audience to experience a ceaseless range of emotions at virtually every turn, it is no wonder THE DESCENDANTS took home the Golden Globe for Best Drama, and remains one of the front-runners for the Best Picture Oscar.
Like most great movies, THE DESCENDANTS shines in every conceivable aspect. From its beautiful Hawaiian setting to its seamless use of the locale’s indigenous music, the tone of the project aids in its uncanny ability to entertain. The script and direction provided by Alexander Payne is extraordinary. The filmmaker is known for the polarizing projects ELECTION, ABOUT SCHMIDT and SIDEWAYS, but with his most recent effort, it is hard to imagine the film failing to resonate with each and every viewer. His ability to create original, memorable characters is masterful, and the film’s effortless fusion of comedy and drama allows it to soar to unpredictable heights.
Over the years, there have been innumerable projects that have squandered their limitless potential by making the wrong casting choices. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are other vehicles that find a way to elevate themselves into the realm of greatness by assembling the right ensemble. This is certainly the case with THE DESCENDANTS. At times it can be difficult relying on young cast members to effectively tackle such mature subject matter, but from Miller’s struggling Scottie to Nick Krause’s pitch-perfect surfer-dude with a big heart Sid, the talented young performers exceed expectations. Particularly impressive is the breakout turn by Woodley. Most well-known for her continuing role as Amy Juergens on the television show THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEEN, her transition to the silver screen was as seamless as her superstar on-screen father’s. Adding depth and realism to the jumbled emotions of a wounded teen, it’s hard to believe that she was left of the Academy’s ballot for Best Supporting Actress. When all is said and done, this will be one of the great break-out performances of the year, and will jettison the actress on the fast track to major success.
The true heart and wonder of THE DESCENDANTS, however, belongs to Clooney. In lesser hands, Matt’s profound complexity would have been lost in translation, and the film would have lost its heart and soul. Exuding a reserved bravado that allows him to emerge as a hero despite his many shortcomings, he has charm and likability to spare. Though it may sound like the oldest cliche in the book, he quite literally has you laughing one second, and crying in the next. For anyone who has seen his timeless performance, it came as no surprise that Clooney took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor (Drama) and will likely strike gold again on Oscar night. Despite the fact that he is one of the most recognizable and popular men in the world, much like pal and fellow Oscar nominee Brad Pitt in MONEYBALL, from the opening scene, you forget that you are watching George Clooney, and immediately see him as the struggling Matt King.
THE DESCENDANTS is very difficult to watch at times due to its intense and relatable situations, yet finds a way to emerge as one of the must-see pictures of 2011. It is a prime example of filmmaking at its finest, with a talented cast and crew delivering their highest possible caliber of work.

THE DESCENDANTS- A

A special thanks goes to Regal Cinemas at Carousel Center for allowing me to see this month’s film.