Now this is going to be a little difficult, so stay with me. How much does this film want an Oscar? Imagine for a second that you have a checklist. Now I want you check off all the things this movie has pointing to its sole purpose to win Oscars. Start with the small things, like the fact that this is based on novel, and indie novel that you've probably never read. Then you start to add bigger stuff like the fact that it's being directed by Juno and Thank You For Smoking director Jason Reitman. It might be looking pretty Oscar friendly now. Now I want to you add the cast, start with minor roles, supporting characters, Danny McBride, Vera Farmiga, and then you move into the bigger names, Jason Bateman of Arrested Development fame, and finally the star, Oscar winning actor/director George Clooney. Check them all off on that list. Make no mistake, this film wants Oscars more than any thing else. The less nominees this thing gets, the faster it will end up in the five dollar DVD bin at your local Wal-Mart. Make no mistake, success is winning.
Most films are meant for normal purposes, to entertain, make money. This is not a money maker. It's Oscar-bait.
Watch the trailer and that whole spiel may make more sense...maybe.