Director: Alexander Payne
Genre: Drama
India Release Date: 26th January 2012
Life is unpredictable for you don't know what might happen tomorrow. It shocks you with its twists; sometimes pleasant, sometimes heartbreaking, catches you unprepared and watches you grow, emerge stronger.
Alexander Payne tells one such story of redemption, regret, hope and survival through his protagonist Matt King (George Clooney) in 'The Descendants'.
Life revolves around his law firm for Matt until his wife meets with a fatal boat accident, leaving her in coma. The otherwise back-up parent thus finds himself in the centre of all crisis overnight - dealing with his young daughters, selling off his ancestral property, regretting his disturbed marriage, mending ties with his scattered huge family.
Payne's film showcases the multiple ironies of life with extreme depth. Not really a black comedy but the inclusion of humour in an otherwise tragic tale makes Descendants a heart wrenching piece of satire.
The beautiful beaches of Hawaii and picturesque landscapes where the film has been entirely shot do not serve as an indication of paradise but pain for Matt who has a billion issues to deal with. Here lies the beauty of The Descendants.
The film is life as you see it, live it. No pretense, no filmy dramatization. Without getting mushy, the filmmaker showcases the everyday life of common people who just happen to live on an exotic island. Matt is weighed down by responsibilities, decisions to make amidst making peace with himself and his conscience. Matt's dilemma is not unfamiliar.
It won't be wrong to say that every moment in the film is cathartic.
George Clooney as a confused father, troubled husband and indecisive family member, touches your soul with his arresting saddened gaze. As a man striving hard to hang on to hope, tackle deceit when he knows he may have lost the battle within, Clooney is outstanding. His eyes do the talking and this is undoubtedly one of his finest mature performances. He moistens your eyes without shedding a single tear! The Golden Globe was well deserving and so is the Oscar hype though I firmly believe he was as brilliant in 'Up in the Air' (2009).
Shailene Woodley as Clooney's teenage rebellious daughter is impressive. She plays Clooney's sidekick with great confidence. Amara Miller as Clooney's defiant ten year old daughter Scottie is endearing. Your heart reaches out to her even when she shows her middle finger to daddy!
The Descendants is about collecting the pieces of your broken heart and moving on with life. It's an emotional roller coaster ride that you must take to value what you possess - your family.
Verdict: Very Good
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