Eddington Movie: Is Ari Aster's Thriller Too Real for Comfort?
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Ari Aster's new film, Eddington, is generating buzz for its unsettlingly accurate portrayal of life during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. But is it a thriller, a neo-Western, or a mirror reflecting our own anxieties back at us?
A Glimpse into Pandemic Paranoia
Set in the small town of Eddington, New Mexico, the film doesn't focus on the virus itself. Instead, it dives deep into the misinformation, paranoia, and outright outrage that festered online during social isolation. As one article puts it, Eddington becomes a literal battleground fueled by fears amplified by screens.
The film portrays a community grappling with the illusion of connection, where logic is often muted by the constant barrage of information. Eddington explores how easily people can become stupefied when they can't disconnect from the digital world.
Is it Too Cynical?
Some critics argue that Eddington, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, is a cynical simulacrum, merely reproducing the chaos and combativeness of 2020 without delving deeper. Scenes depicting COVID-19 conspiracy theories and reactions to George Floyd's murder resonate with a disturbing sense of déjà vu.
The Problem(s) With 'Eddington'
The movie isn't afraid to show the less flattering aspects of that period, including performative activism and the spread of misinformation. While some praise Aster for capturing the zeitgeist, others criticize his reliance on surface-level reproduction rather than genuine exploration.
Ultimately, Eddington is a film that will likely provoke strong reactions. Its unflinching look at a recent, turbulent period in history is bound to make viewers uncomfortable, forcing them to confront the anxieties and divisions that continue to shape our world.