George Clooney gives a remarkable comedic portrayal in Jay Kelly. As someone who enjoys his Coen Bros’ humor in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, I can confidently state this. Noah Baumbach has shaped a part that aligns seamlessly with Clooney’s distinct star appeal, enabling him to excel with elegance, wit, and nuance.
Clooney’s career has flourished due to his knack for shifting from charming heartthrob (Out of Sight, Ocean’s Eleven through Thirteen) to action star (From Dusk Till Dawn, The Peacemaker, Three Kings) to comedic buffoon (O Brother, Burn After Reading, Hail, Caesar!). In Jay Kelly, he melds all three identities to delve into the nature of being a movie icon. When one is recognized for playing extraordinary roles, what constitutes reality? How does one juggle public persona with personal connections when a career demands perpetual showcasing?
Directed and co-written by Baumbach, who previously drew inspiration from his experiences for Marriage Story, Jay Kelly is surprisingly perceptive compared to its whimsical title and charismatic lead indicate. With a supporting cast that includes Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Riley Keough, and co-writer Emily Mortimer, this entertainment industry comedy encapsulates the peaks and valleys of the film world while maintaining its captivating charm.
Instead of a narrative of self-indulgence, Jay Kelly offers a witty and intriguing tale showcasing how stars differ from us yet share similarities.
Jay Kelly focuses on work-life balance.
For an extended period, Jay Kelly (Clooney) has been a celebrity, garnering fans, cultivating his profession, and even raising daughters and navigating ex-wives. One might presume he would welcome time away from fame, but what would he do with it?
Jay is distanced from his oldest daughter, Jessica (Keough), while his youngest, Daisy (Grace Edwards), is excited to depart for college. He has no spouse, and his friends — including his manager, Ron (Sandler), and publicist, Liz (Dern) — are all compensated by him. When a reunion with an old acquaintance (Crudup) triggers an existential dilemma, Jay takes his entourage on a spontaneous European adventure, beginning in Paris and culminating at an Italian film festival where he is to receive a lifetime achievement accolade.
Throughout the expedition, he encounters fans, experiences travel outside of first-class, and ponders his life, whether he likes it or not.
George Clooney excels as Jay Kelly.
The film commences with Jay performing a death sequence featuring a monologue, a gunshot injury, and an adorable dog. Mortimer and Baumbach quickly highlight Jay’s skill, both in front of and behind the camera. He endears himself to the crew, addressing them by name and illuminating the set. He is that type of star.
At home, however, he is a silly father to Daisy, who dismissively rolls her eyes as he bemoans his solitude. “You’re never alone,” she responds as his security guard delivers a drink.
Clooney’s comedic timing is flawless. He has consistently excelled at embodying the fool. Here, he depicts a man who has never been profound but can pretend convincingly on screen. When confronted with a crisis of self-exploration, he takes initiative, leading to a humorous chase sequence. However, nothing unfolds as it would in films. Jay’s grand gestures, infused with Clooney’s charm, are met with indifference from those closest to him because they lack sincerity. He is compelled to face how his career, centered around image, has overshadowed his personal connections.
Adam Sandler and Laura Dern shine in Jay Kelly.
Ron and Liz assume parental roles, guiding and safeguarding Jay. Ron is the gentle father figure, affectionately calling Jay “puppy,” while Liz adopts the tough-love mom persona, candid amidst tabloid gossip. These characters possess depth beyond their relationships with Jay.
As the European journey unfolds, Jay’s entourage fades as they tend to other obligations. The notion of an ending celebration raises questions about who will stay behind.
Dern conveys frustration, while Sandler serves as her hopeful counterpart. They create a comedic pair with emotional resonance. Sandler matches Dern’s dramatic skill, potentially earning Best Supporting nominations. Imagine Uncut Gems with diminished intensity and increased calm. Ron is eager to ensure everything is okay, despite the circumstances.