Up in the Air

Up in the Air is a 2009 American comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman and co-written by Reitman and Sheldon Turner. It is a film adaptation of the 2001 novel of the same name, written by Walter Kirn. The story is about a corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) and his travels. The film follows his isolated life and philosophies along with the people he meets along the way.


In scene #2 we see Ryan Bingham in action at his motivational seminar 'What's in your backpack?'.  He unpacks his philosophy of life where he equivocates living with moving.  It only becomes a matter of time until Ryan is forced to take an introspective look at himself, his life and the idols that dominate him which should lead us to do likewise.

Proverbs 9:7-12

 If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you'll get slapped in the face;
   confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins.
So don't waste your time on a scoffer;
   all you'll get for your pains is abuse.
But if you correct those who care about life,
   that's different—they'll love you for it!
Save your breath for the wise—they'll be wiser for it;
   tell good people what you know—they'll profit from it.
Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God,
   insight into life from knowing a Holy God.
It's through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens,
   and the years of your life ripen.
Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life;
   mock life and life will mock you.


In scene #6 we catch up with Ryan on the road with ambitious associate Natalie Keener whose job is to observe Ryan.  While watching, Natalie interjects and while trying to be helpful, simply comes across cold and uncaring.  This scene portrays that not only are our words and actions are to wisely crafted in love, but also their perception as well.  

1 Peter 3:8-12

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

   Whoever wants to embrace life
      and see the day fill up with good,
   Here's what you do:
      Say nothing evil or hurtful;
   Snub evil and cultivate good;
      run after peace for all you're worth.
   God looks on all this with approval,
      listening and responding well to what he's asked;
   But he turns his back
      on those who do evil things.


In scene #13 Ryan is called upon to help with with Jim Miller, who has developed a case of 'cold feet'.  While Ryan himself admits that he is the last one to be giving such advice, he still goes to bat and knocks one out of the park with Jim eventually relenting, seeking forgiveness and is restored to his fiance' Julie.  Ryan's soliloquy
echoes our created need for relationship and how ultimately our existence points to it.

Romans 14:1

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.