Jay Kelly – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Jay Kelly – A Snapshot in Life’s Film: I am … A Star

Looking into a mirror, who is it that you see?  With that simple reflection of eyes looking back, it can become a defining picture of someone else.  A question of what is real to what is reflective, it becomes a quest defined by who we really are in this life.  The questions bring about journeys of purpose, one that can provide unique stories, especially in films.  In this review, I look at the latest Netflix character/drama film.  From a particular point of fame, Jay Kelly becomes a retrospective of stardom, family and certain truths of who we are on this long road of life.

In a journey of self-discovery, Jay Kelly (George Clooney) must face certain truths of what it means to be famous with regrets.  Film is a place where escape and realities intersect.  What we feel will push us down a particular journey, creating a space where we are pulled into that world.  With this film, we head down a path of reflection, one that pits us against personal choices and the realities of life.  As the film begins, we come into it through the drop-in method where we find our titular character wrapping up the final shoot of his latest film.  After a series of conversational moments, he learns of a death of a very close confident/friend.  This sparks a reflective turning point in Jay, leading down a series of events that force him to face certain facts of his career.  Through a methodically driven directive, we begin to weave between particular conversations with old friends, his family and entourage, driving him to a decision that may change the course of his own life.  Once he and his entourage embark on this journey, the film moves from general setup to a character-focused narrative.  With this change of focus, we witness Jay reflect on his connections in his life with his daughters, old acting crew and personal confidantes like his manager Ron Sukenik (Adam Sandler) and publicist Liz (Laura Dern).  Through these connections, we begin to see cracks in his own façade, bringing him to face that personal mirror of consequence.  These scenes are driven by raw and witty dialogue, a realism that builds up the flaws of each person and their own choices in life.  As we bounce between Jay’s professional and familial conflicts, these scenes slowly grip the audience through a grounded reality, becoming a reflection of our own happiness, passion and regrets.  As Jay continues on this self-reflective journey, his character begins to showcase why this script is simply, amazing.

As more things drive a wedge between Jay Kelly, his family and entourage, each moment builds up through the clichés of fame and fortune.  From the template of what is expected, the twist of irony becomes laced in the grips of realization that harkens through strong humanistic dialogue.  From the odd train sequences to the random Italian parties, the complexion of contrast becomes a raw reflection of characters in crisis, a dissection that breaks tropes for genuine character growth.  This is where the film stands out from genre like moments, as Noah Baumbach (writer/director) builds through character, dialogue and raw emotional scenes.  As characters hit that particular crossroads, we head into a third act that breaks that mirror of personal crisis.  This brings the film’s journey to a full circle climax and epilogue.  Jay Kelly is a film that is driven by our life choices.  If you are a fan of character-based films, this is one for you.  It is available on Netflix, but it would have been fun seeing this on the big screen.

Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)