11th February 2008
Juno – (USA)
Director – Jason Reitman
Cast – Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman…


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Dysfunctional families, arch dialogue and quirky visuals and are a few of the traits that can be associated with the new batch of American Indies that have arrived over the past 10 years. The Royal Tennenbaums, The Squid and Whale and Little Miss Sunshine are shinning examples of this burgeoning genre. Juno is very much placed in this world and has a style that is instantly recognisable. However, Juno is perhaps the very best film in this tradition, because despite its deliberate mise-en-scene, it has incredible subtlety, fully formed characters instead of caricatures, and a lot of heart.

The acting is outstanding on all fronts. Ellen Page confirms her status as one of Hollywood’s best young actresses and Jason Bateman gives a fantastically ambiguous performance as the would-be-adoptive father. The script is getting all the kudos (and you can certainly see why) but the highest accolades’ should be awarded to the direction by Jason Reitman. The movie is directed with a great slight of hand. As the film progresses, the colourful visuals seem to blend into the background and the characters' emotions really come to the fore. The most memorable moments of the film are actually the human interactions. In particular, two climactic moments between Page and Michael Cera are handled note perfectly and as a consequence, really affect the audience. Reitman is fully deserving of his best director nomination at the Oscars, it is a pleasure to see someone rewarded in a genre that is often overlooked.

Juno ultimately has a lot to say about society, about class and about relationships. We are all flawed and life will never turn out how we imagined, yet if we open ourselves up to people and possibilities, and maintain a sense of humour along the way, a little bit of happiness can still be found.