The other day, I finally got around to watching Young Adult, which I've been dying to see since its release last year and I wasn't disappointed. The film showcased a brilliant performance from Charlize Theron, a well crafted script from Diablo Cody and of course, the wonderful direction of Jason Reitman, who has never failed to disappoint me with any of his films. Reitman's next project, Labour Day, stars Kate Winslet and is due out at the end of the year. I have high expectations; maybe this could be the film to finally win Reitman a very well deserved Oscar. We'll just have to wait and see if he can keep up his successful run, but for now, I'm taking a look at what I think makes him such a brilliant film maker and why I love him so bloody much.
1. His Dad, Ivan Reitman.
Growing up under the same roof as one of the most commercially successful directors of the 80s and 90s has clearly rubbed off on the young and impressionable Jason. Ivan Reitman, who is perhaps best known for comedy films such as Kindergarten Cop may not have made films that were award magnets like his son's projects have been, but his skill as a film maker are unquestionable and he clearly taught his son well. I Love Ivan Reitman films and grew up on them. My favourite of course has to be, hands down, Ghostbusters.
2. His Short Films.
Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, Jason Reitman made a string of well received short films, where the young director honed his skills. It was during this period of time that he made possibly the best decision of his career by declining an offer to direct Dude, Where's My Car? not once, but twice, preferring to work on his own projects. Here's my favourite of his short films, Consent.
3. His Debut, Thank You For Smoking.
Reitman's first feature film and my first experience of his work was this low budget indie, which he adapted himself from the novel of the same name by Christopher Buckley. The film, while not a runaway success, was a critical darling and a surprise box office hit... well it made a profit and it was a great debut that got the attention of Hollywood. Thank You For Smoking also picked up a number of awards for the young film maker, but he was only just getting started.
4. His Collaborations with Diablo Cody.
Reitman's follow up project saw him make his first of three collaborations with a then unknown Diablo Cody. Juno was the perfect marriage of brilliant script, wonderful acting and excellent directing resulting in critical acclaim, a slew of awards and a box office smash. Since then the pair have worked together on the not so great Jennifer's Body and the critically well received comedy drama Young Adult. I look forward to the pairs next project together, whatever that may be.
5. Up In The Air.
Reitman's follow up to Juno had a lot riding on it and luckily it didn't disappoint. The director continued his amazing run of success with this critically acclaimed film that saw him win the Bafta for best adapted screenplay, as well as picking up three Oscar nominations, which brings his total to Four... pretty impressive. The film secured Reitman's place as one of the best young directors of his generation.
But can Reitman continue his incredible run of hits? Only time will tell; his next project, as I've said, is Labour Day which will be released later this year. It stars Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin as a couple going through a divorce, before the newly single Winslet meets a man in need of help. I have complete faith in Reitman's ability and look forward to seeing it. What do you think? Feel free to let me know.
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