What Goes Up

The 2009 dramatic comedy What Goes Up is an introspective exploration into human virtues and faults set against the backdrop of small-town America in the late 80s. It's a movie that asserts itself as a stark departure from the traditional norms of the genre by delving into themes such as personal growth, morality, and the often surprising outcomes life can throw our way.

Starring Steve Coogan, Hilary Duff, and Olivia Thirlby, the film is a moving mosaic of quirky encounters, strange friendships, and the very essence of what it means to be human. A joint effort of director Jonathan Glatzer and co-writer Robert Lawson, this film is a unique blend of comedy, drama, and elements of mystery.

Steve Coogan's character, Campbell Babbitt, is an emotionally scarred New York-based journalist who's struggling with his past while covering a story about a local hero - a teacher-astronaut in a small New Hampshire town. Things take an interesting turn when our protagonist begins to stumble upon certain town secrets that are meant to stay hidden. As his own past starts to haunt him, Babbitt finds himself in a moral quagmire.

Parallelly, we see the character of Lucy played by Hilary Duff, a high-school student dealing with the complexities of her own life. Olivia Thirlby delivers a remarkable performance as Tess, another student with an air of mystery. The film orchestrates an unexpected meeting of these characters, leading to numerous interactions that blend comedy, drama, and introspection equally.

The story takes place on the eve of the Challenger disaster, a historical event in 1986 that saw the fatal crashing of a space shuttle, killing all on board. Therefore, this film isn’t only a profound exploration of each character's individual journey, but it also captures the collective Americana experience following such a tragic, nationwide catastrophe. The small-town setting, combined with the looming disaster, creates an eerily surreal ambiance, which the film capitalizes on seamlessly.

As the film moves from personal tragedies to public ones, the intriguing dialogue, the layers of character complexity, and the subtle comedy resonate with the overall grim setting, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of moods. The film meticulously crafts metaphorical storytelling, connecting individual lives and their minute details with grander themes such as death, heroism, and societal norms. It boldly states that the line between heroism and villainy is often blurred and that actions, rather than static status or titles, define individuals.

Underneath the compelling story, What Goes Up is a character-driven film that takes a deep dive into human behavior. As one peels back the layers of the storyline, the film makes poignant observations about the human condition: our innate desire for belongingness, the moral challenges we face, and our constant struggle to find meaning amid chaos and unpredictability.

What Goes Up isn't just about the characters it so beautifully paints, but it's also a commentary on a town, a society, and an era. Notably, the performances by the cast, particularly those of Steve Coogan, Hilary Duff, and Olivia Thirlby add to the film’s allure.

The film's ability to combine reality and surreal moments effectively are complemented by the cinematic techniques employed. The understated cinematography, the muted color palette, and the strikingly poignant use of music throughout the film create an intense atmosphere that is unforgettable. The script's intelligence is enhanced by the subtle symbolic references and parallels drawn, adding depth and further exploration to the narrative.

In summary, What Goes Up throws eccentricity, humor, and pessimism into a narrative cauldron to cook up a tale that is as engrossing as it is thought-provoking. While its style and content may not suit everyone's palate, it cannot be denied that it takes a brave and unconventional route to tell a story - one that is an examination of life, loss, and everything in between. For those who crave a fresh take on drama, spiced with bits of comedy and mystery, this might prove to be a cinematic gem worth discovering.