Alexander Payne's quiet film
The Descendants about a distraught business tycoon trying to pull a dysfunctional family together after his wife's tragic accident has a lot going for it. Firstly, an especially fine performance from George Clooney, secondly, the beautiful Hawaiian scenic background and most importantly, a cautiously realistic approach to presenting the complex psychological functioning of the human mind. Little by little, Clooney as Matt King learns what is important for him, his children and his extended family by engaging himself fully in the problems of their lives - something that many do not do, especially when going through a personal tragedy. It's hard enough to deal with your own needs let alone consider the feelings of everyone else. But he does, and as the windmills of his mind turn and turn, we are still surprised by many of his actions. Particularly admirable is the acceptance of his own responsibility. Payne directs evenly and thoroughly. Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller and Nick Krause lend wonderful support as King's daughters Alex, Scottie and Alex's supposedly goofy boyfriend Sid, respectively. Matthew Lillard as King's wife's lover has a wonderful scene in which he reluctantly comes to terms with his guilt.
5 out of 5 stars
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