The Descendants

This is Alexander Payne's first film since he made sideways in 2004. It is an adaptation of the first novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings who collaborated closely with Payne on the film, even to the extent of being, along with members of his family, in the film.

This is, of course, a George Clooney film and he is excellent, playing an unhappy man coping with two daughters and wearing bad shirts, while his wife lay dying.

Some people have spoken of this film as a comedy but it is moving and tragic, yet laced with irony and humour in the way life can be for those who are sensitive to see it; and this is what Payne does so well.

Seeing this film made me think of Robert Redford, who was the previous generation's star of American cinema. Both Clooney and Redford are good-looking and serious, being politically engaged and directing films of their own. I like Redford but I'm now starting to think that I prefer by a small margin Clooney because of his modesty in taking unglamorous parts, and because he has made more angry and politically engaged films.

I think The Descendants stands up well as a George Clooney and as an Alexander Payne film.