Ari Aster’s “Eddington”: A Reflection on America
At the Cannes Film Festival, acclaimed director Ari Aster along with a stellar cast—including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Michal Ward, and Luke Grimes—gathered to discuss their latest project, “Eddington,”following its premiere. The film presents a compelling narrative about the complexities of American society as experienced during the turbulent summer of 2020.
A Narrative Rooted in Reality
Set against the backdrop of a fictional town in New Mexico during May 2020, “Eddington”features local sheriff Joe Cross, portrayed by Phoenix, who challenges the authority of the COVID-conscious Mayor Ted Garcia, played by Pascal. As Cross’s campaign unfolds, the film delves deeply into the chaos spurred by the pandemic, encompassing themes of political unrest, racial justice movements, and the rampant spread of disinformation on social media—a reflection of real-world events, including the protests prompted by George Floyd’s tragic death.
Ari Aster’s Artistic Vision
In his remarks during the press conference, Aster emphasized the pervasive issue of hyper-individualism in today’s society. He expressed his desire to capture the essence of America in a moment that felt deeply troubling, stating, “We need to re-engage with each other. That’s the only hope.” His somber outlook suggests a collective sense of powerlessness and fear that frames the core of the film’s narrative.
Insights from the Cast
Pedro Pascal articulated Aster’s role as a storyteller, depicting him as a “whistleblower” offering an inside perspective on America’s challenges. He shared his trepidation regarding the social climate in the U.S., particularly in light of harsh immigration policies, referencing his own background as a child of Chilean refugees. Pascal candidly expressed his concerns regarding safety and historical accountability, confessing, “I want people to be safe… I stand by those protections always.”
Pedro Pascal prompts applause at the #Eddington press conference in #Cannes when a journalist asks a question about people from other countries being scared to travel to the U.S. “Fear is the way they win. Keep telling the stories and keep expressing yourself…”
Confronting Fear and Expression
During the event, a journalist revealed concerns about international guests hesitant to travel to the U.S., citing apprehensions from even Canadian attendees regarding possible repercussions for crossing the border. Pascal responded passionately, urging, “Fear is the way that they win. Keep telling the stories and keep expressing yourself. People that try to make you scared, forget those people.”
Both Pascal and Stone reflected on how Aster’s script resonates with their concerns about societal issues and online misinformation. Pascal noted, “I felt like he wrote something that were all of my worst fears realized,” while Stone expressed unease about algorithmic influences online, indicating that once certain fears are Googled, they seem to proliferate.
Premiere Reactions and Critical Reception
Though their screening at Cannes received a lukewarm response with a five-minute standing ovation, Joaquin Phoenix’s performance notably drew enthusiastic applause from the audience in the Lumiere theater. Aster, overwhelmed with gratitude, remarked, “I feel very privileged to be here. This is a dream come true,” adding humorously, “I don’t know. Sorry?”
In his review, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter described “Eddington”as an exploration of contemporary America that straddles dark comedy and thought-provoking themes. However, he critiqued the film for lacking sufficient suspense and humor to fully engage viewers, labeling it a “distancing slog.”
As discussions surrounding Aster’s work continue, “Eddington”stands as a provocative piece reflecting on the current state of societal dynamics in the U.S.