"Up in The Air"

Upon watching the movie “Up in the Air” it is easy to see that it is vastly different from the book it was scripted after. Director Jason Reitman changed a dry, aimless work of literature into a film with direction and purpose. In the book version of “Up in the Air”, Ryan Bingham is largely alone. He is isolated from his family, lacks any real friends and makes his home in various hotels and airport lounges. Ryan of the book seems to be content with his way of life and does not seem to want for any human attachments, his greatest aspirations involve the prospect of a new job with a company called “Mythtech”, reaching one million frequent flyer miles, and publishing a business novel. Although, Ryan Bingham of the movie also makes his home in “Airworld” he seems to encompass more real human emotions. Throughout the movie, you get the idea that an ocean of feelings is lurking just beneath the cold, calculated surface of the Ryan that is depicted onscreen. Also, the movie version does not leave Ryan Bingham as isolated as the novel. Ryan is almost always accompanied by Alex, his reluctant love interest, or Natalie, an intelligent young woman who was designated to shadow Bingham in order to learn the ways of his company. Overall, the movie far exceeds the book in its ability to give Ryan human emotions and therefore making him a more dynamic character. The movie version makes you actually care about Ryan and therefore, makes you care about the movies messages of hope, and need for human connection. Here is an interesting link that contains information on the effects of social isolation.