Mileage Run Discussion - George Clooney movie about MR!

Due out in December! The main character is obsessed with earning 10 million miles. AA is the featured airline.

Will this inspire a new crop of mileage runners? :eek:

Do you fear the competition? I think FT will need to increase their server bandwidth after that movie comes out.

Do you fear the competition? I think FT will need to increase their server bandwidth after that movie comes out.

Only if they start talking about FT, hopefully they wont get toe MR discussion thread or else all the codewords will be ruined lol Although thay might make a good comedy

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m-Da8Tz4_E

Clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCCx9CfwARc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fN2gcB7aMk

Sponsors look to be: AA, Hilton and Hertz

This is the best trailer for the movie (with HD option): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xIUtRrTlgo

I'll definitely be watching this, sure makes AA look good, though I still am loyal to *A.

I can see this as a good opportunity for FTers to convince their spouses of the coolness of mileage running :) People tend to think things are cooler when they're in movies. I mean, if George Clooney does it, it must be cool, right?

There's at least one current thread on this movie.

Will this inspire a new crop of mileage runners? :eek:

I don't know, but it has created a number of prior threads. These two seem to be the most active:

OT: "Up In The Air" George Clooney Movie with Heavy AA presence (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-aadvantage/993675-ot-up-air-george-clooney-movie-heavy-aa-presence.html)

George Clooney in "Up In the Air" - has he been reading FlyerTalk? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/omni/992068-george-clooney-up-air-has-he-been-reading-flyertalk.html)

Is it just me, or does this seem like an unlikely project to get "green lighted" -- much less to have George Clooney star? It better have a great script or else it's going down in flames. I just don't believe the "mass market" is going to be very interested in the topic. I mean, most people don't even understand the concept of flying around the world on crazy low ball fares. I can't believe they're going to understand, or appreciate, "mileage running."

Of course, they made a hit out of Marley & Me -- a movie about pretty much nothing other than owning a dog. But people like dogs more than airlines.

And we flyertalkers are unlikely to boost box office receipts. Let's face it, few of us are going to head to a theatre to see this. We'll catch it -- obviously -- when it becomes an in-flight movie. :)

If it's coming out in December, then it's already filmed. The other two aforementioned threads link to the appropriate imdb page. So doesn't this mean it's already "green-lighted"?

I looked at the plot a bit, and it seems he meets the woman of his dreams while flying. I guess the romance part always seems to draw the masses, and the passion for accruing miles must inspire people at some level to go after out-of-the-box ideas, no?

Not sure this is as much about MRs as elite status and life time status. The average viewer will be intrigued but not connect the dots between status and MRs. Though I bet Citibank will get a bunch of credit cars applications.



Due out in December! The main character is obsessed with earning 10 million miles. AA is the featured airline.

Will this inspire a new crop of mileage runners? :eek:

Yes. I guess I misspoke. A further read of another plot review reveals that it's not so much about the passion of flying, but about him going through a mid-life crisis and avoiding settling to a grounded life. Hmm... that does make it sound a bit more depressing. Still, a movie about flying? I'm there. :)

Keep your eyes on Community Buzz. There may be a few FT meets to see the film together. :) We're waiting to find out when it's going to be released in which cities.

BTW, here (http://vimeo.com/7167640)'s a video all Flyertalkers should see. ^

I saw this (at the London Film Festival). It's not really about mileage running, as noted above. He travels solely for business. I'm of two minds as to whether it will encourage people, given various things in the plot, and would lean towards not much impact. A friend who watched it with me, and is not into mileage collecting said it reminded her of me, but that she was no more intrigued after the film...

POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT--in some ways, it shows his life as solitary and he is fulfilled through flying and mileage collecting rather than through personal connections, given the way the relationship ends with Vera Farmiga's character. He ends up on a plane, alone, in a way that may be seen by many as depressing. Yes it will interest people in the idea of status and may make some people think about miles, but I don't think it will draw too many people towards this community who are not already here or on the edge.--END SPOILER

A friend who watched it with me, and is not into mileage collecting said it reminded her of me


Is that because you look like George Clooney or because you chase miles?:p

I must concur that BOXO's video link is probably the BEST clip I have ever seen about frequent flyers.. I could relate...

I would suspect that more people would MR if they had the time and money, particularly in today's environment with both being really tight for most people. The movie sounds like a sappy light hearted comedy and I not even sure that I would want to watch it even in flight.

The movie sounds like a sappy light hearted comedy and I not even sure that I would want to watch it even in flight.

What -- you don't do sappy, light-hearted comedy? :)

C'mon, every flyertalker is going to have to see this one. At least if it's your in-flight movie. (Given the tie-in with AA, I wonder if other airlines will screen it).

I can see this as a good opportunity for FTers to convince their spouses of the coolness of mileage running :)Better see the film first, before discussing with the spouse. :eek:If it's coming out in December, then it's already filmed.Yes, I saw it in October in London.I looked at the plot a bit, and it seems he meets the woman of his dreams while flying.Not quite.Not sure this is as much about MRs as elite status and life time status.^ And living out of a carry-on (no checked baggage) without roots.A friend who watched it with me, and is not into mileage collecting said it reminded her of me, but that she was no more intrigued after the film...Ah, yes. The female elite in the film has a memorable quote: 'Think of me as you with a vagina'. Establishment of equality!The movie sounds like a sappy light hearted comedy and I not even sure that I would want to watch it even in flight.IMO there's more to it than a light-hearted comedy. It raises serious relationship problems. I for one would like to see the movie again.

BTW, here (http://vimeo.com/7167640)'s a video all Flyertalkers should see. ^

what an eye opener- I would love to get into this but I live in an area where I would have to fly out of regional airports or drive 3.5 hrs to ORD

great film

Better see the film first, before discussing with the spouse.

^My wife saw the trailer and was not amused with the shenangens she now thinks, rather knows, occurs in ACs.:eek:

BTW, here (http://vimeo.com/7167640)'s a video all Flyertalkers should see. ^

Wow, that's quite nice!

Wow, that's quite nice!

it would be much better if the video didn't stop/start every ten seconds

it would be much better if the video didn't stop/start every ten seconds

On the right side of the screen toggle the HD button to "off." Runs fine if you do so.

it would be much better if the video didn't stop/start every ten seconds

I'm not sure if you have a super duper internet connection/computer. I just upgraded, and only had one slight glitch in the whole 20 minute movie.

BTW, here (http://vimeo.com/7167640)'s a video all Flyertalkers should see. ^

It was made by an FTer, and many of the folks interviewed in it are FTers. I think it superbly done, and an excellent adjunct to the Clooney movie.

Indeed, a first rate video^ What can I say, now I'm more looking forward (itching) to my next flight!

BTW, here (http://vimeo.com/7167640)'s a video all Flyertalkers should see. ^

Thanks for sharing the video. Well done! I can totally relate myself to it. Now it makes me think I should start making a video about my MR's.

Indeed, a first rate video^ What can I say, now I'm more looking forward (itching) to my next flight!


So am I! Let's plan another MR. Bangkok, maybe?

I am definitely going to watch the movie (I can't wait!).

Is it just me, or does this seem like an unlikely project to get "green lighted" -- much less to have George Clooney star? It better have a great script or else it's going down in flames. I just don't believe the "mass market" is going to be very interested in the topic. I mean, most people don't even understand the concept of flying around the world on crazy low ball fares. I can't believe they're going to understand, or appreciate, "mileage running."

Isn't the release date in the thick of Oscar-candidate season as well?

I had similar thoughts about the mass-marketability of such a venture (if wrong, I'd be kicking myself for not writing it myself ;)).

OTOH, I think a good slice of the non-travelers have an idealized view of biz travel, and the appeal to them might be in showing that it's not really that great or that people living supposedly privileged lives have problems as well. Sort of the schadenfreude factor.

(BTW, I think that's part of Paul Theroux's formula as well...you don't read a Theroux book and think "I want to GO there!" Rather, you feel validated in not traveling).

Though if the movie causes more women to be turned on by elite status it would have done a great service to FTers. :p

BTW, I gather from the trailer that Clooney's character gets grounded by severe cutbacks and he has to start living more of a single-location-based life. But then, why? Why not continue the obsession in the SEQUEL as a leisure traveler trying to pile up miles on his own dime! ;):p:):) Lots of comedic relief potential there. And wouldn't airlines love to have lots of new people competing to see who could pay the least in fares and still get elite status?

Though if the movie causes more women to be turned on by elite status it would have done a great service to FTers. :p

How's that? (speaking as one of the many female FTers)

Revenge of the Travel Nerds ? :rolleyes:

How's that? (speaking as one of the many female FTers)

I guess I have a pessimistic view about the amount of (pardon the pun) mileage you get with that. I must hang around with the wrong people.

OTOH, in third-world countries I sometimes have difficulty in explaining the whole concept of FF programs and how I could be there on a free ticket to anyone. It usually comes up if they think you have a lot of money and you try to explain how you can still be there even if you don't have that much.

How's that? (speaking as one of the many female FTers)

I know at least one female FTer who would see that as a positive...

fascinating concept for a movie :D

on the other hand, i hope this isn't the end product of someone who attended an early screening:

http://travel.aol.com/travel-ideas/articles/ex-pilot-lives-in-airport-after-being-dumped

:p

Sort of the schadenfreude factor.



Schadenfreude one of my favorite words. ^

Quick shot of DTW at Gate 40.

This is the best trailer for the movie (with HD option): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xIUtRrTlgo

I'll definitely be watching this, sure makes AA look good, though I still am loyal to *A.

They could combined this with his current movie and call it "The Men who Stare at Goats @ 38,000 feet!"


DMH

Thanks for all the support, be sure to come out for the movie.

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m-Da8Tz4_E

Clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCCx9CfwARc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fN2gcB7aMk

Sponsors look to be: AA, Hilton and Hertz


How cool would it be to see a 777 pull up to the gate with your name on it right where 777 Luxury Liner once was? :D

I cant wait to see this movie

The main character is obsessed with earning 10 million miles.

Sounds just like me, except I've currently only got about 4 million miles. Still quite a ways to go. Wonder how many FT'ers are shooting for 10 million and how many have already reached it.

Sounds just like me, except I've currently only got about 4 million miles. Still quite a ways to go. Wonder how many FT'ers are shooting for 10 million and how many have already reached it.

In one of the clips, he says there are only 7 others who have hit 10 MM and that they put your name on the plane, etc.

I wonder if there is any truth to that. Any 10+ MM folks with AA care to comment?

I can see this as a good opportunity for FTers to convince their spouses of the coolness of mileage running :) People tend to think things are cooler when they're in movies. I mean, if George Clooney does it, it must be cool, right?

But do any of you look like george....

Maybe it'll make MRs look cool. But it could make us look like complete losers. Remember, we might not be normal.

I have to say that from the trailer I saw, the aerial photography looks beautiful! I will pay US$11 to see it.

In one of the clips, he says there are only 7 others who have hit 10 MM and that they put your name on the plane, etc.

I wonder if there is any truth to that. Any 10+ MM folks with AA care to comment?

I was quite curious about this to, I've seen a few posts in FT of those who reached the 5MM mark, but 10MM?

Ps. I wonder how much AA paid for the advertising, I understand the clips show a lot more about flying than the movie itself does, but there still is a significant amount of AA product placement.

I was quite curious about this to, I've seen a few posts in FT of those who reached the 5MM mark, but 10MM?

Ps. I wonder how much AA paid for the advertising, I understand the clips show a lot more about flying than the movie itself does, but there still is a significant amount of AA product placement.

I can think of one FTer with over 10 MM on AA. There could be others..

In one of the clips, he says there are only 7 others who have hit 10 MM and that they put your name on the plane, etc.

I wonder if there is any truth to that. Any 10+ MM folks with AA care to comment?

at 10MM you can find the imprint of your own backside on certain F seats :D

Quick shot of DTW at Gate 40.

Isn't the cover/title poster (http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3081734400/tt1193138) also DTW? Looks like the center gates looking across to the B/C concourse with a NWA 744 parked in the foreground (hard to tell whether the tail is red :)).

The only thing that I'm not sure about is whether DTW's windows are like the ones shown there...

In watching the trailer clips, seems Clooney's character is unattached - no wife/girlfriend, no strong family ties, no time consuming friendships, no social life, basically no excess baggage to hold him down. Exactly like me. I constantly see discussions here and elsewhere on FT of very frequent flyers discussing problems with balancing their flying with family responsibilities / social life. I often wonder how they do it. I love flying. Any time I have a day or more of free time, I immediately go onto the net and figure out where I want to fly to. I don't think I've had a single day off in at least two years where I didn't spend it flying and enjoying someplace other than my home city. If I was married, in a serious relationship, and especially if I had kids, I simply think it would be impossible to be very passionate (actually totally obsessed) about flying. Anyways, gotta see this movie. I think it's the first movie in a long time where I can really relate to it.

A question I have for all you fellow FT'ers, is how many of you are like me and the Clooney character - unattached, without any excess baggage keeping you from total freedom to fly whenever you want, outside of work commitments? My guess is there aren't very many.

BTW, I gather from the trailer that Clooney's character gets grounded by severe cutbacks and he has to start living more of a single-location-based life. But then, why? Why not continue the obsession in the SEQUEL as a leisure traveler trying to pile up miles on his own dime! ;):p:):) Lots of comedic relief potential there. And wouldn't airlines love to have lots of new people competing to see who could pay the least in fares and still get elite status?

Ahhh yes, but then who would pay to watch 2 hours of George obsessively reading FT five times a day for new mileage offers, and then checking his balances of hotel and airline sites several times a day wondering if his skymall, restaurant.com and different airline mall purchases have posted before the offer deadlines! Of course he could find a girl to travel on his 8 leg MR for $200 AI just for the miles and frisking by the TSA!!

JudyJFLA
Will fly with George anytime!

Ahhh yes, but then who would pay to watch 2 hours of George obsessively reading FT five times a day for new mileage offers, and then checking his balances of hotel and airline sites several times a day wondering if his skymall, restaurant.com and different airline mall purchases have posted before the offer deadlines! Of course he could find a girl to travel on his 8 leg MR for $200 AI just for the miles and frisking by the TSA!!

JudyJFLA
Will fly with George anytime!

And don't forget griping about not being able to credit BA TATL segments to his AAdvantage account. Or trying to figure out how to get to CMB to do an MR in J on an error fare. Or trying to figure out which OW lounges he has access to on his MR to Mongolia. Or figuring out whether he should churn the Citi AA Personal cards or also do the Business one. Or going to the bank daily to drop off his newest shipment of $ coins. Or... Or... Or...

I bet he could do all that and still make it look uber cool, too.

:)

A question I have for all you fellow FT'ers, is how many of you are like me and the Clooney character - unattached, without any excess baggage keeping you from total freedom to fly whenever you want, outside of work commitments? My guess is there aren't very many.

I used to be that way until I got married, had a kid. I find my relationship with my family and my friends to be infinitely more important than "total freedom". Looking back on it I see how selfish the notion of "excess baggage" is. Not that I regret it, I am still passionate about getting on a plane and finding new places, but now NEVER at the expense of fam/friends.

My wife saw the trailer last night and said "You still have some Clooney in you, and I noticed you have some of the same credit cards he does."

I'll take that as a compliment.

This is the best trailer for the movie (with HD option): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xIUtRrTlgo

I'll definitely be watching this, sure makes AA look good, though I still am loyal to *A.

My best friend growing up is one of the Asian guys going through security at about the 1:00 mark of this trailer.

There are many ways someone who works in a traveling job can relate to this movie, especially anyone doing it every week Monday-Thursday. Whether its the empty apartment you walk into, the different circles of people (family, old friends, new friends, work people, etc.) you try to keep in touch with yet no one gets enough time, coming back Thursday night and passing that part of airport where someone is waiting for someone, yet you are just walking by. I actually think watching the full movie will be a more depressing experience than a fun one.

I actually think watching the full movie will be a more depressing experience than a fun one.

No way! I was going to post that but was afraid I would be crucified.

No way! I was going to post that but was afraid I would be crucified.

When I first heard of the movie, I was going to recommend friends and family see it, to see what a real frequent flyer gets... then I read the synopsis and thought about it a little more.

Do I really want myself associated/recommending a movie about a guy who values miles over staying home and being with his family? Not to mention the "interaction" he gets with another frequent flyer. I get enough grief for flying around, don't think I want to have them think that those shenanigans are also part of these trips.

coming back Thursday night and passing that part of airport where someone is waiting for someone, yet you are just walking by. I actually think watching the full movie will be a more depressing experience than a fun one.

While I agree that most people are or are looking for a life filled with family and friends, I'm a bit different as I'm more of an introvert and am perfectly happy to live my life alone. I gave up long ago on the idea of living a married life with children, etc.

I do though agree with what others have said, that if you do have family/close friends, that they (especially family) should be much more important to you than flying. If I was married I'm sure I would do very little personal flying unless it was together with my family.

BTW, here (http://vimeo.com/7167640)'s a video all Flyertalkers should see. ^

Great movie. Thank you for posting the link.

BTW, here (http://vimeo.com/7167640)'s a video all Flyertalkers should see. ^

extremely well done. awesome.

i felt a little uneasy realizing my affliction with flying OCD tho!