Insightful NYFF 2025 Movie Review: Discovering Self-Reflection in Baumbach’s ‘Jay Kelly’ – A Thought-Provoking Look at the Troubled Artist | InSession Film

Director: Noah Baumbach
Writers: Noah Baumbach, Emily Mortimer
Stars: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern

Synopsis: Jay Kelly, a celebrated actor, embarks on a journey of self-discovery with his loyal manager Ron. It blends humor and poignant moments, exploring the balance of fame and personal regrets.

The film industry often portrays artists who trade their personal lives for fame. While they achieve riches and acclaim, they can also carry heavy burdens. A famous example is Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard, where silent film star Norma Desmond, played by Gloria Swanson, becomes a tragic figure as her career fades. Her obsession with youth leads her to madness.

Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz tells a similar story but through musical storytelling. The film reflects Fosse’s own struggles, touching on mortality and the craving for love and success. Both films capture the deep emotions tied to fame and the sacrifices made.

In Noah Baumbach’s latest piece, Jay Kelly, the story feels muddled. George Clooney brings his star power to the role, but the film often misses the mark when exploring the costs of fame. It tries to honor Clooney’s achievements with emotional tributes but often comes off as manipulative. Unlike Fosse’s candid examination of self, Baumbach’s film shies away from real emotional depths, presenting a polished version of celebrity life without its gritty truth.

Clooney plays Jay Kelly, a legendary actor. As he prepares for a new film, he learns of the death of his first director. This news fills him with nostalgia and regret for lost time. The character feels overshadowed by his past successes but also comes to the realization that he must reconnect with his estranged daughter, Daisy.

Yet, viewers might struggle to empathize with Kelly. His privilege casts a shadow over his grievances, making them feel less relatable. Problems like strained family ties or the pressure of legacy come off as gentle nibbles rather than deep dives. The film flirts with serious themes but rarely engages with them meaningfully, leaning instead on humor that often feels forced.

Another comparison is Alejandro González Iñárritu’s film Bardo. This film faced harsh criticism but offered raw honesty, exploring the creator’s struggle. Contrarily, Baumbach’s work, while attempting reflection, often feels surface-level. Its exploration of Kelly’s isolation among wealth fails to resonate.

In trying to deliver both tribute and introspection, Jay Kelly ends up in a confusing space. Baumbach’s intent is clear, but the execution lacks authenticity. The film appears disconnected from its central character’s reality.

While the concept of examining fame through Kelly’s lens is promising, the execution undermines its potential impact. Instead of forging a connection with viewers, it becomes a showcase of shallow grievances, failing to delve into the emotional nuances that make stories truly resonate.

The result may leave audiences questioning the sincerity and depth of their engagement with such tales of stardom. A significant part of storytelling is navigating the complex realities of fame, and Jay Kelly stumbles in this crucial area.

Grade: D-

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