Review of The Descendants (2011) by Omar L — 17 Mar 2013
The secret to getting a viewer to sympathize when tragedy strikes a character is to find a way to have that character charm them, and the best way to do that is to make them relatable. One good way to make them relatable is to inject humor in a vulnerable way.
It is not easy, but somehow, Alexander Payne is able to do that with every actor and character he works with. Pay attention to George Clooney's physicality in his humor. "Milquetoast" is not a word that one would use to describe Clooney, but in this film, his walk, his dress, and his tone of voice makes him a character that one would believe could be cuckolded.
It's a circumstance that could easily be mocked, but Clooney's performance, Payne's direction, and a superb supporting cast make Matt King the most sympathetic character that Clooney has portrayed.
This review of The Descendants (2011) was written by Omar L on 17 Mar 2013.
The Descendants has generally received very positive reviews.
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