The Director's Series: Alexander Payne, No. 2


Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey.

The Descendants (2011)
Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara King, Nic Krause, Judy Greer, and Beau Bridges
Director: Alexander Payne
About: Payne makes deeply personal films that explore families and difficult emotional times. This is one of those films. Adapted from a novel, it's a deep exploration of love, grief, family, and Hawaii. It features a brilliant performance from Clooney, and a great performance from Woodley. I love their dynamic. And some of the dialogue here is quite moving. So, too, is the look and feel of the film. This is a really engaging and emotional tale.

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