Michael Harrison
InstantRiverside.com

Circumstances beyond our control bring out both the best and the worst in all of us.  There’s a movie that shines a light on that most raw human condition.

“My friends on the mainland think that just because I live in Hawaii, I live in paradise. Like a permanent vacation, we’re all just out here sipping mai-tai’s, shaking our hips and catching waves. Are they insane? Do they think we are immune to life? How can they possibly think our families are less screwed up? Our cancer’s less fatal? Our heartaches less painful?”

And so begins director Alexander Payne’s first film in seven years. His previous films included “Sideways” and “About Schmidt.”

It’s Payne’s newest work.

Matt King, played by George Clooney, is a successful lawyer who has spent way too much time at the office and not enough time with his family. He even refers to himself as the “back-up parent,” yet we aren’t sure if he’s the “back-up” or if he’s just backing-up from being a parent.

Tragedy strikes as his wife is sent into a coma after a boating accident. Matt is forced to become parent, protector and guardian – of more than just his wife and children. He’s also the trustee for a 25,000 acre tract of unspoiled land on Kauai that was deeded to his family many generations ago by the Hawaiian Crown. By law the trust must be dissolved within seven years. Enter the company that wants to purchase it from the Trust and build golf courses and hotels on this pristine landscape and potentially turning all of the heirs of the trust into instant millionaires.

“The Descendants” was filmed on Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii and Payne spent many months in the islands with locals and guides/historians before filming to ensure faithful representation of culture and history in the film.

While Clooney might look uncomfortable in his Aloha shirts, there is no denying that one feels empathy for his character and constantly ponders the question, “what would I do in this situation?”

Clooney shines, as always with that “every guy” demeanor. There are jokes and there are tears, but always, you walk away thinking that with all of his faults, Matt King is someone that you want to know.

One of the standout performances in the film is from Shailene Woodley (Golden Globe nominated for Best Supporting Actress). As the troubled teen daughter who reveals the family secret, she dominates all of her scenes.

Unfortunately, Beau Bridges’ remarkable acting talent is wasted in a minor role as one of the heirs to the trust. I left the film wanting to see more from his character. I can only assume that the meat of his performance was left on the cutting room floor, otherwise why bring in such an accomplished actor for the role?

The cinematography from Phedon Papamichael is breathtaking and lovingly showcases the beauty of the Aloha State. It’s extremely difficult to shoot in the islands due to the intense sunlight, but the colors are vibrant and true in this film.

If you’ve visited Hawaii, you will fall in love with the soundtrack, as Payne makes extensive use of local Hawaiian musicians such as Gabby Pahunui, Keola Beamer, Dennis Kamakahi, Daniel Ho and Makana for the score of the film. The soundtrack is beautiful and highlights the artistry of the actors and the depth of the script.

Also, a special note about the sound mix. Patrick Cyccone did an amazing job combining the audio elements to bring the sound of the islands to life. The artistry is subtle, but extremely well done and effectively transports the viewer to the islands of Hawaii.

Based on the book by Kaui Hart Hemmings, this is a poignant story, at its core, about death and loss of trust. And yet, it is about life – a life of trust, trusting in others, learning to trust and trusting in yourself. It’s heavy and yet fulfilling.

This film doesn’t have a story-book happy ending, yet it’s hard not to feel satisfied at the end; as if everything found its rightful place in the grand order of the universe.

The characters realize the best and the worst of themselves and still find a way to move on with life by doing what they feel is right—or pono, in Hawaiian.

Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono –that’s one of the theme’s in this film. I will leave it to you to look it up before you go see the film.

Alexander, please don’t make us wait another seven years!

Filed under Video Library, Entertainment

Monday, February 20, 2012

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