George Clooney’s latest movie, Jay Kelly, brings two potent words to mind: “Richard Cory.” The latter was a 20th-century poem—and later a Simon &Garfunkel song—that helped poet E.A. Robinson secure a Pulitzer Prize.
“Richard Cory” rocked notions of what celebrity power gave celebrities. Richard Cory had it all, and Cory couldn’t live with it. Robinson’s poem subverted notions that fame and glory ever aided personal happiness.
So does Jay Kelly.
It’s a worthy story of life integration events for famous actor Jay Kelly (Clooney). As he finishes his most recent film, he lifts his head and sees the reality of his life. His favorite director has died. There’s no significant other. Even life as a dad has changed.
Now as young adults, his daughters don’t want him around. Who cares? He’ll have his way. He pushes his staff into a fast trip to Europe to catch his daughter’s train. Clever Facebook stalking lands him on the right train—to her great disappointment and discomfort. However much he tries, Kelly can’t smile his way out of this one.
His oldest daughter isn’t having it either.
“I want you to come with me. To see what I did.” Kelly says to his oldest. “It’s got to have meant something.”
“What if it didn’t?” she says. Her question is a needed scalpel.
Another poignant scene unfolds as this Famous Face boards a train. For one moment he sees others. The elderly woman. A child. He gets to be like them, with them. And then they see him, and it’s over.
Adam Sandler delivers a dramatic performance as Kelly’s caring and abused agent. Ron has become the last guy standing. Will Kelly lose even him?
Familiar faces make short appearances, from Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, and Patrick Wilson to Jim Broadbent and Stacy Keach.
Director Noah Baumbach is known most recently for the movie Barbie. He co-wrote Jay Kelly with the actress Emily Mortimer.
This life-integration story reminds us of what the writer of Ecclesiastes whispers: “What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?” The writer believed that meaninglessness is the fruit of a life lived apart from God. Jay Kelly might agree.
This film is for mature audiences with its “R” rating for coarse language, mild violence, and discussions of sex. (Netflix)
About the Author
Cynthia Beach authored the 2024 novel, The Surface of Water, and the writing book, Creative Juices for Writers. She co-directs Scriptoria Workshop with Newbery-winner Gary Schmidt. In 2025-6, she will serve as Artist in Residence in Dundee, Scotland.