Understated, witty and intelligent

Rating: 8/10 (16 November 2013)

Why can't more films be like this? Pitched perfectly by both Mr Clooney (as always, playing himself) and Vera Farmiga, the performances captured perfectly the unintended consequences of the decisions we make when younger, even when we don't realise we're making them.
The set-up works well; in the airport, creating isolation even when surrounded by people, and the self-deceiving cynicism of the office environment, coupled to the displaced values of the two protagonists. The key is that only Clooney believes it 100%, and the inevitable comedown is very well expressed.
I've seen this twice over a few years and I'd forgotten how good it is, as a modern parable of self imposed isolation and alienation.
Perhaps the best part is the ending; there is no meaningless resolution, no happy ending, only a glimmer of possible redemption.