'Jay Kelly' review: Clooney, Adam Sandler lead charming, soothing drama
What's the story
Noah Baumbach's sentimental comedy-drama, Jay Kelly, written by him and Emily Mortimer, is out now on Netflix. Led by Hollywood heavyweights George Clooney and Adam Sandler, it features Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Grace Edwards, Greta Gerwig, and Riley Keough in supporting roles. Charming, beautifully-made, and teeming with memorable performances, Jay Kelly is a flawed but comforting, soothing watch.
Plot
Clooney plays a Hollywood superstar in this drama
Clooney essays the titular role of a famous, successful Hollywood star, who is described as the "American Dream" by Ron (Sandler), his dedicated manager. Ron repeatedly puts his own life on the back burner as he tries to sort out Jay's schedule and resolve his problems. However, he's always in the shadows, and his efforts might not be enough to earn Jay's love.
#1
What is the price of fame?
What does it mean to be a movie star? What's the cost of fame? What happens when it threatens to leave you forever? Baumbach asks all these questions through his perceptive screenplay, and Clooney has no problem breathing life into this multilayered role. The film accurately analyzes how success can sometimes take a toll on people, resulting in a feeling of utter, all-consuming loneliness.
#2
Gives us believable, realistic characters
Jay Kelly is an ode to nostalgia, memories, and most of all, to long-standing friendships. It implores you to fix things in your relationships before time runs out, and the sharp, intelligent dialogues reach your heart directly. It's also laudable how it explores Jay's unknowingly indifferent behavior toward the people in his life without vilifying him. Many people are like him, after all.
#3
Features stunning, jaw-dropping cinematography
Apart from the performances, another aspect that effortlessly draws you in is the vibrant, colorful sets. Linus Sandgren's breathtakingly beautiful cinematography is one to watch out for. From the first scene featuring a chaotic, messy film set to the gorgeous Italian countryside, Jay Kelly might not always be engaging, but it's always stunning to look at.
Verdict
Watch it for its writing and leads' performances; 3.5/5 stars
On the flip side, Jay Kelly struggles with the flashback sequences and becomes awkward when it veers toward melodrama. Not many supporting characters are fleshed out, and you keep waiting to see more of them. All in all, while Jay Kelly doesn't quite reach its full potential, it's extremely watchable for Clooney and Sandler's performances, and for its scathing dissection of fame. 3.5/5 stars.