The World

The new movie “Up in the Air” tells a story tailor-made for our recessionary times. George Clooney plays a corporate grim reaper, whose job it is to fly to various cities and fire people. Director Jason Reitman (“Juno”) based it on the 2001 novel by Walter Kirn. Reitman and Kirn told Kurt that the project ended up having more resonance in the real world than either could have anticipated.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!