Up in the Air

Directed by Jason Reitman; written by Mr. Reitman and Sheldon Turner, based on the novel by Walter Kirn.

The movie up to the middle doesn't surprise you, even the end doesn't really surprise you. You don't expect him to have a real relationship with Alex, settle and stop flying, that would be a terrible and clichè ending. However, could you expect him to start and end in the exactly same place? Does he really change? I think that is the strong point of the movie, it makes you reflect. You go throughout the movie with Ryan, he gains your simpathy, and then comes the end. Can you not wonder about what will happen to him now?

There is a contrast from the man who says:

The one who is preaching detachment to human relations. To then you find this man:

The man who not only changed his speech but his perspective about human relations.

Ryan's actions seems to indicate that he realised what he has been missing his whole life. It's very clear in scene when he accomplish his goal: 10 000 miles.

Ryan:  Captain.

Captain: That seat taken?

Ryan: No. No.

Captain: You're the youngest yet to hit 10 mil. Don't know where you found the time.

Ryan: Yeah. I don't know.

Captain: Here you go. 7th card we've made. Small club. We really appreciate your loyalty.

Ryan: You know how many times I thought about this moment? Played out the conversation that you and I would have right here.

Captain: Really? What did you want to say?

Ryan: You know, I don't remember.

Captain: That's all right. It happens to all of us. So, where are you from?

Ryan: I'm from here.

Suddenly, his dream, his lifestyle lost his appealing which he always believed it had. He is finally ready to make a connection. However, Alex is married. Natalie (co-worker) is no longer part of the company. He is back, up in the air. Will he truly unchain himself from the life  he has built?