REVIEW: JAY KELLY

4/5

Leading Man

132 Mins. Starring: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Patrick Wilson, Isla Fisher, Greta Gerwig, Lenny Henry, Emily Mortimer & Jim Broadbent. Screenplay: Noah Baumbach & Emily Mortimer. Director: Noah Baumbach. On: Netflix.

Ocean's suit on, no tie. Glass of scotch in hand, held over the balcony of a beautiful house with the Hollywood Hills in the background. His classic pose, looking down into his chest, just a little more forlorn. No smile. It was all there in black and white. In my 20s (that's almost 20 years ago...damn) I was coming up with script ideas, left, right and off-center. Albeit with the Bradley Cooper in 'Limitless', "not one word" output. My favourite one was called 'Leading Man' (yeah, yeah, I know, I made it the tag-line here) about an ageing Hollywood actor, much darker in tone, who was lonely and looking for love. At this point, I should probably say that my favourite film is 'Lost In Translation', the reason I now live in Japan. Perhaps some osmosis was going on. I can tell you the end of mine now, too, because it's never going to happen. The actor would drink away his pain and frequent a coffee shop on his morning's after, where he would get talking to a sweet barista. On his career comeback, and the night of his Oscars win, he would forgo the after-party to go to the coffee shop, still in his tux, and help the barista put up the chairs. And that's where it would have ended. The late, great Syd Field told us we should never do this, but I always pictured one man in the role. George Clooney. And not just because I'm a huge 'E.R.' fan.

Fast-forward to this summer and Netflix are releasing their fall film schedule and what do I see? A picture of George Clooney in a beautiful suit with that trademark looking down pose. And wait...a picture that looks like a movie poster behind him, with him in it! It can't be. Of course, it can be. It is. Now, before you think I'm complaining, or this is the first line of a different kind of suit. No! That's not where I'm going with this. I'm not making stealing accusations, like the award worthy turn from Billy Crudup (also called Tim. Come on, man!) here. I'm just a lowly review writer, the kind that loves movies so much, he wants to be in them. But at this point, talking about them is pretty nice, too. Besides, I never stood a chance. And this is 'Marriage Story' director Noah Baumbach's ('The Meyerowitz Stories', 'Greenberg', 'The Squid And The Whale') baby. I'm just glad I at least had an idea that might have been on to something. It's reignited the passion. And this may just be Baumbach, who is right there with Paul Thomas Anderson and the Wes Anderson he works with, at his best. George Clooney is perfect as 'Jay Kelly'. With the 'Punch Drunk Love' of Adam Sandler being to George what Seth Rogen was to him in 'Funny People'. There's even a reunited marriage story with the great Laura Dern, who is in Clooney's other corner. These PA's aren't devils on the shoulder. More angels in the outfield.

Baumbach co-wrote the brilliant blockbuster 'Barbie' with the great Greta Gerwig, and his wife shows up here as Adam's. The co-writing in this perfect slice of cheesecake, mind you, is done with great Brit Emily Mortimer, who also acts as one of George's team. Although the man handing him the glass, steals the show. It's a glorious day for the English, too. The legendary Jim Broadbent appears in fond flashbacks as a marvellous mentor. All before the usual Comic Relief of Lenny Henry ('The Rings Of Power') that makes the biggest impression as a sage advice giving drama school teacher. Henry, yet again, showing his range, like when he sang backing vocals on Kate Bush's 'Why Should I Love You'. Elsewhere in this epic ensemble, there are choice cameos from the likes of Patrick Wilson and Isla Fisher. But it's home, where the heart of matters is, and from his father Stacy Keach, to his two daughters (Riley Keough and Grace (that's the name I'd like if I ever have a daughter, it just keeps going) Edwards), you really feel his family. Although Dern already gave a stern warning that Kelly shouldn't touch people (it's Jay, not R). Yet a scene with strangers on the train, showcasing Clooney's charm and charisma, enters the cinematic capsule. "Cary Grant. Clark Gable. Jay Kelly." Cary Grant. Clark Gable. George Clooney. Can we go again? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Marriage Story', 'Lost In Translation', 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman: George Clooney'.