Ari Aster’s Eddington: A Cinematic Reflection on America
Ari Aster’s latest film, Eddington, navigates the tumultuous landscape of America during May 2020. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to significant buzz, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Micheal Ward, and Luke Grimes. Notably, the film explores pressing themes around societal chaos, political tension, and individual fears, encapsulating the zeitgeist of a nation grappling with profound uncertainties.
The Setting: A Fictional New Mexico Town
The narrative unfolds in a small, fictional town in New Mexico, where local sheriff Joe Cross (played by Joaquin Phoenix) announces his bid against the charming yet COVID-conscious Mayor Ted Garcia (played by Pedro Pascal). As Joe’s campaign gains momentum, the backdrop of the pandemic era becomes increasingly chaotic. News coverage and social media amplify existing tensions, bringing to the forefront issues like right-wing conspiracy theories, societal racism, and protests ignited by police brutality—most tragically exemplified by the death of George Floyd.
Ari Aster’s Vision
Reflecting on the film’s themes, Aster remarked, "I wrote this film in a state of fear and anxiety about the world." He highlights a critical commentary on the contemporary state of America, stating, "The last 20 years, we’ve fallen into this age of hyper-individualism… I wanted to make a film about what America feels like at that time, and it felt bad." His apprehension resonates throughout the movie, encouraging viewers to re-engage and seek connection in a fragmented world.
Aster expressed concern that "we’re living through an experiment that’s gone wrong," reflecting the sense of helplessness that many Americans felt during this precarious period. His film serves as an indictment of a nation caught in cycles of fear and isolation, emphasizing the urgent need for societal re-engagement.
An Actor’s Perspective: Pedro Pascal
During the Cannes press conference, Pedro Pascal characterized Aster as a "whistleblower" revealing harsh truths about the state of the United States. He acknowledged the complexities surrounding political issues and shared his personal struggles with the topic: "It’s obviously very scary for an actor who participated in the movie to speak on issues like this." Pascal’s own background as a child of refugees adds depth to his perspective, highlighting the immigration crisis and the societal stakes involved.
Pascal shared his concerns regarding the crackdown on Latin American immigrants: “I want people to be safe and to be protected and I want very much to live on the right side of history.” His poignant words encapsulate the realities faced by many immigrants and the ethical responsibilities that artists carry in light of widespread oppression and fear.
Fear and Art: A Journalist’s Inquiry
A journalist’s question sparked a discussion around the fear that creative artists may face due to their work. The inquiry highlighted incidents where international guests expressed apprehension about coming to America, fueled by concerns over potential backlash for their artistic expressions. Pascal, responding with conviction, said: “Fear is the way that they win. Keep telling the stories and keep expressing yourself. People that try to make you scared, fuck those people.” This powerful statement underscores the importance of artistic expression in challenging oppressive narratives.
Connecting Through Shared Fears
Both Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone acknowledged how Aster’s screenplay resonates with their own fears about the current state of affairs. Pascal reflected on how the script articulated the anxieties felt during the lockdown: “I felt like he wrote something that were all of my worst fears realized.” Stone, adding her own experience, mentioned how the internet’s algorithms sometimes perpetuate these fears, creating a feedback loop of anxiety that can feel inescapable.
Audience Reception and Critical Reviews
After its highly anticipated premiere, Eddington received a mixed reception. Attendees offered a five-minute standing ovation; however, critical reviews have been less enthusiastic. David Rooney, chief film critic for The Hollywood Reporter, described Eddington as a "modern Western marbled with a vein of dark comedy," but criticized it as being neither suspenseful nor humorous enough to resonate fully with the audience. The film’s emotional depth and thematic explorations continue to evoke mixed reactions.
As Aster graciously addressed the crowd following the film, he expressed gratitude but also uncertainty: “I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to think.” This sentiment encapsulates the film’s exploration of uncertainty and the complexities of modern existence, leaving audiences both challenged and contemplative.
The Importance of Storytelling
Ultimately, Eddington stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in confronting sociopolitical landscapes. As the cast and crew grapple with the implications of their work, they embody the passionate spirit of artists who refuse to be silenced. In a world rife with challenges, the act of creating remains imperative—not just as a reflection of reality, but as a means to inspire hope, provoke dialogue, and unite communities in shared understanding.