Clooney, Sandler explore the cost of fame in Baumbach’s newest
Jay Kelly isn’t a documentary, but you’d be forgiven if you mistake it for one. The picture, directed by Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story) and co-written with the actress Emily Mortimer, is about an aging actor facing his mortality and reflecting on his personal and professional choices. That the titular fictional actor is played by George Clooney creates an odd melding of fact and fiction. As we watch Jay consider his past, present, and future, we can’t help but wonder how much of what we’re seeing on screen is really about Clooney himself. That dichotomy brings an added layer of curiosity to an already thoughtful and absorbing film.
Top 10 lists are notoriously subjective, of course; one fan’s “best” can easily be another’s “worst.” To be included on my Top 10 Films of the Year list, a film has to do two things: affect me profoundly while watching it, and stay in my thoughts long after the credits roll. Below are my ten favorite films of 2019 that meet that criteria. You can also check out my list from last year 