The Descendants (film)
Encyclopedia
The Descendants is a 2011 comedy-drama
film based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings. The film stars George Clooney
, Judy Greer
, Matthew Lillard
and Shailene Woodley
and it was released in the United States on November 18, 2011. It is directed by Alexander Payne
, with a screenplay by Payne, Nat Faxon
and Jim Rash
. The film screened at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival
.
Matt and Elizabeth have two daughters, 10-year-old Scottie (Amara Miller) and 17-year-old Alex (Shailene Woodley). The elder attends boarding school on the Big Island. Matt is not very close with them and refers to himself as the "back-up parent." With Elizabeth in the hospital, Matt is forced to confront Scottie's swearing and bullying and Alex's alcohol problems. Matt learns that Elizabeth will not be waking up from her coma. Matt tells Alex, but not Scottie, that Elizabeth is not coming out of her coma. He tells her they will need to go around and tell friends and family about what is going on. Alex refuses and bluntly tells her father that Elizabeth was having an affair at the time of the accident. Matt is shaken and frantically jogs to the home of his and Elizabeth's friends: Kai and Mark. Matt confronts them and demands information on his wife's extramarital affair. Kai is reluctant to reveal anything and Matt angrily berates her and tells her that Elizabeth is going to be taken off of life support. Kai begins to cry and Matt leaves. Mark follows him outside and tells him the name of Elizabeth's lover is Brian Speer. Matt leaves and cries on the side of a road.
Back at home, Matt goes to tell Alex to get ready to go see her grandparents. He is surprised to see that Alex has a visitor: Sid (Nick Krause). Alex insists that Sid come with them and Matt grudgingly allows it. At Elizabeth's parents' house, Matt's father in law Scott (Robert Forster) berates Matt and Alex and tells them that they put Elizabeth through hell. He punches Sid in the face after he laughs at Elizabeth's mother, who suffers from dementia. On their way home Alex spots a real estate sign with a picture of Speer. Matt calls the number and finds out that Brian is on vacation. Matt, Alex, Sid, and Scottie travel to Kaua'i to search for him.
After a day or two relaxing and bonding on Kaua'i, Matt is jogging on the beach he passes a man that he realizes is Brian Speer. Matt trails him and sees him enter a cottage where his wife and two children are waiting. The cottage is owned by one of Matt's cousins Hugh (Beau Bridges). Matt later speaks with
Brian's wife Julie (Judy Greer) while her children are swimming. He learns that Brian is a friend of his cousin's and has something to do with the land deal. Later, cousin Hugh tells him that Brian is Don Holitzer's brother in law and if Matt and his family decide to sell the land to Holitzer, Brian Speer is the one who stands to gain a fortune from commissions. Matt is shocked by this and decides to confront Brian Speer at the cottage. Matt confronts Brian while Alex distracts Julie.
When they arrive, Matt introduces himself as Elizabeth's husband. Matt tells him that he isn't there to cause any harm, just to let Brian know that Elizabeth is going to die in a few days and that he just wants to give him a chance to say goodbye. Brian says he loves his wife and his family and that he is truly sorry for everything. Matt asks if Elizabeth ever told Brian she loved him. He nods his head. Matt then asks Brian if he loved Elizabeth. Brian just stares at him without saying anything. It is clear to Matt that Brian was having an affair with Elizabeth in order to get closer to him, seeing as he is the sole trustee of the land. Matt exits the cottage and prepares to leave, but in a spontaneous moment kisses Julie. Matt, Alex, Scottie, and Sid are next seen on a plane going home, at which time Matt acknowledges the fact that Scottie is still unaware of her mother's condition.
Back at home, Matt is at the meeting with his cousins, including Hugh, to vote on what will become of the 25,000 acres. As expected, the majority vote for Don Holitzer. Just as Matt is about to sign the papers, he has second thoughts and decides to keep the land. Shocked, Hugh threatens Matt and tells him that he and the other cousins will come after him legally.
At the hospital, Elizabeth is close to dying. Everyone says goodbye and a surprise visitor arrives. It is Julie Speer, now fully aware of the affair between Elizabeth and her husband. Julie begins to cry and stands over Elizabeth saying that she has to forgive her even though she wants to hate her for destroying her family. Matt tells Julie to leave. Alex and Scottie say their final goodbyes. Matt kisses Elizabeth one last time, and says "goodbye my love, my friend, my pain, my joy, goodbye" as tears roll down his face. Some time later Matt, Alex, and Scottie are in a small boat scattering Elizabeth's ashes in the ocean.
The final shot shows Matt, now a single parent, with Alex and Scottie on the couch watching TV and eating ice cream as the credits roll.
on March 15, 2010. Post-production began on June 14, and continued into February 2011. The film was originally scheduled to have a limited release on December 16, 2011 but was moved to November 23, 2011 and then November 18, 2011.
The soundtrack uses Hawaiian music
, featuring artists including Gabby Pahinui
, Ray Kane
, Keola Beamer
, Lena Machado, Sonny Chillingworth
, Jeff Peterson
, and Reverend Dennis Kamakahi
.
Comedy-drama
Comedy-drama is a genre of theatre, film and television programs which combines humorous and serious content.-Theatre:Traditional western theatre, beginning with the ancient Greeks, was divided into comedy and tragedy...
film based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings. The film stars George Clooney
George Clooney
George Timothy Clooney is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. For his work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award...
, Judy Greer
Judy Greer
Judy Greer is an American actress, known for portraying a string of supporting female characters, including Kitty Sanchez on the Fox series Arrested Development and Cheryl on the animated comedy series Archer...
, Matthew Lillard
Matthew Lillard
Matthew Lyn Lillard is an American actor and producer. He is best known for his roles as Stu Macher in Scream, Stevo in SLC Punk , and Shaggy Rogers in the Scooby-Doo film series and the Animated reboot series.-Early life:Lillard was born in Lansing, Michigan, and grew up in Tustin, California...
and Shailene Woodley
Shailene Woodley
Shailene Diann Woodley is an American actress. Woodley is known for portraying Amy Juergens in the ABC Family series, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and for co-starring with George Clooney in the 2011 drama film The Descendants.-Early life:Woodley was born in Simi Valley, California...
and it was released in the United States on November 18, 2011. It is directed by Alexander Payne
Alexander Payne
Alexander Payne, born Alexander Constantine Papadopoulos is an American film director and screenwriter. His films are noted for their dark humor and satirical depictions of contemporary American society.- Early life :...
, with a screenplay by Payne, Nat Faxon
Nat Faxon
-Life and career:Faxon is a graduate of Holderness School and Hamilton College, he is best known for his appearances in comedic films such as Orange County , Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story , and several Broken Lizard films including Beerfest...
and Jim Rash
Jim Rash
Jim Rash was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and is an American actor, comedian and screenwriter.His most noticeable appearance was when he portrayed Mr Grayson/Stitches, a sidekick to the supervillain 'Royal Pain' in the 2005 film Sky High and as the recurring characters Fenton on That '70s Show...
. The film screened at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival
2011 Toronto International Film Festival
The 36th annual Toronto International Film Festival, was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada between September 8 and September 18, 2011.Buenos Aires, Argentina was selected to be showcased for the 2011 City to City programme. The opening film was From the Sky Down, a documentary film about the band...
.
Plot
The film opens with a shot of a woman riding in a sport motorboat in Hawaii shortly before the credits roll and Matt King (George Clooney) narrates. Matt is a wealthy lawyer descended from Hawaiian royalty and white missionaries. He is the sole trustee of 25,000 acres of untouched land on the island of Kaua'i, passed down from his ancestors. The trust will expire in seven years, and the family has decided to sell the land to Don Hollitzer for development. Just as the family agrees on the deal and moves to sign, Matt's wife Elizabeth is in a boating accident and rendered comatose. King explains how ridiculous it is that his friends on the mainland think Hawaii is a paradise when Matt has been living in a "paradise" full of IV and urination bags by her bedside. It is now clear that the woman in the opening shot is, in fact, Matt's wife.Matt and Elizabeth have two daughters, 10-year-old Scottie (Amara Miller) and 17-year-old Alex (Shailene Woodley). The elder attends boarding school on the Big Island. Matt is not very close with them and refers to himself as the "back-up parent." With Elizabeth in the hospital, Matt is forced to confront Scottie's swearing and bullying and Alex's alcohol problems. Matt learns that Elizabeth will not be waking up from her coma. Matt tells Alex, but not Scottie, that Elizabeth is not coming out of her coma. He tells her they will need to go around and tell friends and family about what is going on. Alex refuses and bluntly tells her father that Elizabeth was having an affair at the time of the accident. Matt is shaken and frantically jogs to the home of his and Elizabeth's friends: Kai and Mark. Matt confronts them and demands information on his wife's extramarital affair. Kai is reluctant to reveal anything and Matt angrily berates her and tells her that Elizabeth is going to be taken off of life support. Kai begins to cry and Matt leaves. Mark follows him outside and tells him the name of Elizabeth's lover is Brian Speer. Matt leaves and cries on the side of a road.
Back at home, Matt goes to tell Alex to get ready to go see her grandparents. He is surprised to see that Alex has a visitor: Sid (Nick Krause). Alex insists that Sid come with them and Matt grudgingly allows it. At Elizabeth's parents' house, Matt's father in law Scott (Robert Forster) berates Matt and Alex and tells them that they put Elizabeth through hell. He punches Sid in the face after he laughs at Elizabeth's mother, who suffers from dementia. On their way home Alex spots a real estate sign with a picture of Speer. Matt calls the number and finds out that Brian is on vacation. Matt, Alex, Sid, and Scottie travel to Kaua'i to search for him.
After a day or two relaxing and bonding on Kaua'i, Matt is jogging on the beach he passes a man that he realizes is Brian Speer. Matt trails him and sees him enter a cottage where his wife and two children are waiting. The cottage is owned by one of Matt's cousins Hugh (Beau Bridges). Matt later speaks with
Brian's wife Julie (Judy Greer) while her children are swimming. He learns that Brian is a friend of his cousin's and has something to do with the land deal. Later, cousin Hugh tells him that Brian is Don Holitzer's brother in law and if Matt and his family decide to sell the land to Holitzer, Brian Speer is the one who stands to gain a fortune from commissions. Matt is shocked by this and decides to confront Brian Speer at the cottage. Matt confronts Brian while Alex distracts Julie.
When they arrive, Matt introduces himself as Elizabeth's husband. Matt tells him that he isn't there to cause any harm, just to let Brian know that Elizabeth is going to die in a few days and that he just wants to give him a chance to say goodbye. Brian says he loves his wife and his family and that he is truly sorry for everything. Matt asks if Elizabeth ever told Brian she loved him. He nods his head. Matt then asks Brian if he loved Elizabeth. Brian just stares at him without saying anything. It is clear to Matt that Brian was having an affair with Elizabeth in order to get closer to him, seeing as he is the sole trustee of the land. Matt exits the cottage and prepares to leave, but in a spontaneous moment kisses Julie. Matt, Alex, Scottie, and Sid are next seen on a plane going home, at which time Matt acknowledges the fact that Scottie is still unaware of her mother's condition.
Back at home, Matt is at the meeting with his cousins, including Hugh, to vote on what will become of the 25,000 acres. As expected, the majority vote for Don Holitzer. Just as Matt is about to sign the papers, he has second thoughts and decides to keep the land. Shocked, Hugh threatens Matt and tells him that he and the other cousins will come after him legally.
At the hospital, Elizabeth is close to dying. Everyone says goodbye and a surprise visitor arrives. It is Julie Speer, now fully aware of the affair between Elizabeth and her husband. Julie begins to cry and stands over Elizabeth saying that she has to forgive her even though she wants to hate her for destroying her family. Matt tells Julie to leave. Alex and Scottie say their final goodbyes. Matt kisses Elizabeth one last time, and says "goodbye my love, my friend, my pain, my joy, goodbye" as tears roll down his face. Some time later Matt, Alex, and Scottie are in a small boat scattering Elizabeth's ashes in the ocean.
The final shot shows Matt, now a single parent, with Alex and Scottie on the couch watching TV and eating ice cream as the credits roll.
Cast
Source:- George ClooneyGeorge ClooneyGeorge Timothy Clooney is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. For his work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award...
as Matt King - Shailene WoodleyShailene WoodleyShailene Diann Woodley is an American actress. Woodley is known for portraying Amy Juergens in the ABC Family series, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and for co-starring with George Clooney in the 2011 drama film The Descendants.-Early life:Woodley was born in Simi Valley, California...
as Alexandra King - Nick Krause as Sid
- Amara Miller as Scottie King
- Judy GreerJudy GreerJudy Greer is an American actress, known for portraying a string of supporting female characters, including Kitty Sanchez on the Fox series Arrested Development and Cheryl on the animated comedy series Archer...
as Julie Speer - Matthew LillardMatthew LillardMatthew Lyn Lillard is an American actor and producer. He is best known for his roles as Stu Macher in Scream, Stevo in SLC Punk , and Shaggy Rogers in the Scooby-Doo film series and the Animated reboot series.-Early life:Lillard was born in Lansing, Michigan, and grew up in Tustin, California...
as Brian Speer - Robert ForsterRobert ForsterRobert Forster is an American actor, best known for his roles as John Cassellis in Haskell Wexler's Medium Cool, and as Max Cherry in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown, the latter of which gained him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.- Early life :Forster was born Robert Wallace...
as Scott Thorson - Beau BridgesBeau BridgesLloyd Vernet "Beau" Bridges III is an American actor and director.- Early life :Bridges was born in Los Angeles, the son of actor Lloyd Bridges and his college sweetheart, Dorothy Bridges . He was nicknamed "Beau" by his mother and father after Ashley Wilkes's son in Gone with the Wind, the book...
as Cousin Hugh - Patricia Hastie as Elizabeth King
- Mary BirdsongMary BirdsongMary Birdsong is an American actress, comedian, writer, and singer.Birdsong was born on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, one of five sisters. She may be best-known for her role as Deputy Cherisha Kimball on the Comedy Central series Reno 911!. She is a former correspondent on The Daily Show and...
as Kai Mitchell - Rob HuebelRob HuebelRob Huebel is an American actor, comedian and writer best known for his sketch comedy work on the MTV series Human Giant. He currently co-stars on the Adult Swim series Childrens Hospital.-Early life:...
as Mark Mitchell - Milt KoganMilt KoganMilt Kogan is an American actor. He is best known for playing the desk sergeant, Officer Kogan, on the television series Barney Miller in 1975....
as Dr. Johnston - Laird HamiltonLaird HamiltonLaird Hamilton is an American big-wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and an occasional fashion and action-sports model. He is married to Gabrielle Reece, a professional volleyball player, television personality, and model...
as Troy Cook - Michael OntkeanMichael OntkeanMichael Leonard Ontkean is a Canadian actor. He is best known for the 1970s crime drama The Rookies, the film Slap Shot , and the cult-favorite TV series Twin Peaks .-Life and career:...
as Cousin Milo - Matt CorboyMatt CorboyMatt Corboy is an American actor.Corboy was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and grew up there, before leaving to attend Colorado State University, where he earned a degree in business....
as Cousin Ralph
Production
The film began its on-location shoot in HawaiiHawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
on March 15, 2010. Post-production began on June 14, and continued into February 2011. The film was originally scheduled to have a limited release on December 16, 2011 but was moved to November 23, 2011 and then November 18, 2011.
The soundtrack uses Hawaiian music
Music of Hawaii
The music of Hawaii includes an array of traditional and popular styles, ranging from native Hawaiian folk music to modern rock and hip hop. Hawaii's musical contributions to the music of the United States are out of proportion to the state's small size. Styles like slack-key guitar are well-known...
, featuring artists including Gabby Pahinui
Gabby Pahinui
Charles Philip "Gabby" or "Pops" Pahinui was a slack-key guitarist.Gabby was born Charles Kapono Kahahawaii Jr. and later hānai-ed into the Pahinui family as Charles Philip Pahinui and raised in the Kaka'ako area of Honolulu in the 1920s...
, Ray Kane
Ray Kane
Raymond Kaleoalohapoinaʻoleohelemanu Kāne , was one of Hawaii's acknowledged masters of the slack-key guitar. Born in Koloa, Kauaʻi, he grew up in Nanakuli on Oʻahu's Waiʻanae Coast where his stepfather worked as a fisherman....
, Keola Beamer
Keola Beamer
Keola Beamer is a Hawaiian slack-key guitar player, best known as the composer of "Honolulu City Lights" and an innovative musician who fused Hawaiian roots and contemporary music.-Family:...
, Lena Machado, Sonny Chillingworth
Sonny Chillingworth
Edwin Bradfield Liloa Chillingworth, Jr., known as Sonny Chillingworth, was an American guitarist. Widely influential in Hawaiian music, he played slack-key guitar and is widely regarded as one of the most influential slack key guitarists in history.-Life:Chillingworth was born in Oahu in Hawaii,...
, Jeff Peterson
Jeff Peterson
Jeff Peterson may refer to:* Jeffrey Peterson , American entrepreneur* Jeff Peterson , American actor* Jeff Peterson , American guitarist-See also:...
, and Reverend Dennis Kamakahi
Dennis Kamakahi
Dennis David Kahekilimamaoikalanikeha Kamakahi is a Hawaiian slack key guitarist, recording artist, and music composer. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, and in 2009 was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.-Professional music career:...
.
Reception
The Descendants has received widespread critical acclaim. The film scored an approval rating of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus "Funny, moving, and beautifully acted, The Descendants captures the unpredictable messiness of life with eloquence and uncommon grace." On Metacritic, the film scored an 84 based on 42 critics, indicating universal acclaim. Roger Ebert gave the film a perfect four star rating. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone also gave the film a full four star rating, his second of the year, proclaiming the movie a near masterpiece. George Clooney and Shailene Woodley have both received acclaim for their performances.Awards & Nominations
| Awards Group | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Board of Review National Board of Review Awards 2011 The 83rd National Board of Review Awards, honoring the best in film for 2011.All films are in alphabetical order-Top Films:films listed alphabetically except top, which is ranked as Best Film of the year*Hugo*The Artist... |
Top 10 Films National Board of Review: Top Ten Films The following is a list of the Top-10 films chosen annually by the National Board of Review, beginning in 1929. From 1968 till 2005, 29 times the NBR chose the film that would eventually win the Academy Award for Best Picture as Best Film... |
- | won |
| Best Actor National Board of Review Award for Best Actor An incomplete list of the winners of the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures Award for Best Actor :-1940s:-1950s:-1960s:-1970s:-1980s:-1990s:-2000s:-2010s:... |
George Clooney George Clooney George Timothy Clooney is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. For his work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award... |
won | |
| Best Supporting Actress National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress The National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress is one of the annual film awards given by the National Board of Review.-1950s:-1960s:-1970s:-1980s:-1990s:-2000s:-2010s:... |
Shailene Woodley Shailene Woodley Shailene Diann Woodley is an American actress. Woodley is known for portraying Amy Juergens in the ABC Family series, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and for co-starring with George Clooney in the 2011 drama film The Descendants.-Early life:Woodley was born in Simi Valley, California... |
won | |
| Best Adapted Screenplay National Board of Review Award for Best Adapted Screenplay The National Board of Review Award for Best Adapted Screenplay is an annual award given by the National Board of Review.-2000s:-2010s:... |
Alexander Payne Alexander Payne Alexander Payne, born Alexander Constantine Papadopoulos is an American film director and screenwriter. His films are noted for their dark humor and satirical depictions of contemporary American society.- Early life :... , Nat Faxon Nat Faxon -Life and career:Faxon is a graduate of Holderness School and Hamilton College, he is best known for his appearances in comedic films such as Orange County , Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story , and several Broken Lizard films including Beerfest... and Jim Rash Jim Rash Jim Rash was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and is an American actor, comedian and screenwriter.His most noticeable appearance was when he portrayed Mr Grayson/Stitches, a sidekick to the supervillain 'Royal Pain' in the 2005 film Sky High and as the recurring characters Fenton on That '70s Show... |
won | |
| Independent Spirit Awards Independent Spirit Awards 2011 The 27th Independent Spirit Awards announced its nominees in November 29, 2011. The winners will be announced on February 25, 2012.-Best Film :*50/50*The Artist*Beginners*The Descendants*Drive*Take Shelter... |
Best Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Film The Independent Spirit Award for Best Film is one of the annual Independent Spirit Awards.-1980s:* 1985: After Hours - Martin Scorsese** Blood Simple - Joel and Ethan Coen** Smooth Talk... |
- | pending |
| Best Director Independent Spirit Award for Best Director The Film Independent's Spirit Award for Best Director is one of the annual Independent Spirit Awards.- 1980s :* 1985: Joel Coen – Blood Simple** Martin Scorsese – After Hours** Joyce Chopra – Smooth Talk... |
Alexander Payne Alexander Payne Alexander Payne, born Alexander Constantine Papadopoulos is an American film director and screenwriter. His films are noted for their dark humor and satirical depictions of contemporary American society.- Early life :... |
pending | |
| Best Supporting Female | Shailene Woodley Shailene Woodley Shailene Diann Woodley is an American actress. Woodley is known for portraying Amy Juergens in the ABC Family series, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and for co-starring with George Clooney in the 2011 drama film The Descendants.-Early life:Woodley was born in Simi Valley, California... |
pending | |
| Best Screenplay Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay The Film Independent's Spirit Award for Best Screenplay is one of the annual Independent Spirit Awards.-1980s:* 1985: The Trip to Bountiful - Horton Foote** After Hours - Joseph Minion** Blood Simple - Joel and Ethan Coen... |
Alexander Payne Alexander Payne Alexander Payne, born Alexander Constantine Papadopoulos is an American film director and screenwriter. His films are noted for their dark humor and satirical depictions of contemporary American society.- Early life :... , Nat Faxon Nat Faxon -Life and career:Faxon is a graduate of Holderness School and Hamilton College, he is best known for his appearances in comedic films such as Orange County , Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story , and several Broken Lizard films including Beerfest... and Jim Rash Jim Rash Jim Rash was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and is an American actor, comedian and screenwriter.His most noticeable appearance was when he portrayed Mr Grayson/Stitches, a sidekick to the supervillain 'Royal Pain' in the 2005 film Sky High and as the recurring characters Fenton on That '70s Show... |
pending |
External links
- The Descendants at Fox Searchlight