Very good but with one big flaw

Rating: 8/10 (27 March 2010)

This movie has many good and surprising features, notably, an ambiguous ending. Indeed the ambivalent approach infuses the entire story, underwritten in the ironic tone, the slight mocking of corporate language. A real strength are the direct to camera cameos of the people who have been 'let go', never fired. They tell the contemporary story
of America, and are a countervailing force against Clooney's cool, even smug, but perfect detachment.
Having praised it, there is, however, one major flaw and it's a character and plot flaw which may be in the source book. Alex, yes, just wonderful as played by Vera Farmiga, is however badly written. While the affair is playful it deepens when they visit Wisconsin for a weekend wedding. The audience believes along with Clooney's character that this signifies a real real bond between them. It does not and for devastating reasons. The first time I watched the movie I could almost accept why, but the second time I could not because for it to work it demanded that Alex be a sociopath i.e. betray other people to seek her own pleasure. A sociopath is plausible - but works against the theme of the latter half of the film, if she is. Not good writing. So,if she is not a sociopath, it is a poor piece of plotting. It is a significant weakness in another wise, very good film.