Ari Aster’s ‘Eddington’: A Haunting Look at America’s Fears and Divisions
Ari Aster Explores America’s Anxieties in ‘Eddington’
At the recent Cannes Film Festival, Ari Aster presented his latest film, ‘Eddington,’ a chilling exploration of America’s anxieties in the wake of the 2020 pandemic. During the press conference, Aster, alongside a star-studded cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Micheal Ward, and Luke Grimes, delved into the film’s themes of fear, division, and the erosion of truth.
A Nation Divided: The Story Unfolds
Set in a fictional New Mexico town in May 2020, ‘Eddington’ follows Sheriff Joe Cross (Phoenix) who challenges the charismatic Mayor Ted Garcia (Pascal) during a tumultuous period marked by misinformation, political polarization, and social unrest. The film captures the escalating chaos of the pandemic era, fueled by online conspiracy theories, racial tensions, and protests against police brutality following George Floyd’s death.
Aster’s Fears and Warnings
Aster revealed that ‘Eddington’ was born out of a sense of fear and anxiety about the state of the world. He wanted to depict a society grappling with the disintegration of shared realities and the rise of hyper-individualism. He expressed deep concern about the direction America is heading, emphasizing the urgent need for reconnection and empathy.
“I’m very worried. We need to re-engage with each other. That’s the only hope,” Aster said.
Pascal: A ‘Whistleblower’ on America’s Ills
Pedro Pascal, who plays Mayor Garcia, described Aster’s film as a “whistleblower” exposé on the inner workings of American society. He highlighted the unique perspective that Aster offers, shedding light on the complexities of American politics, culture, and identity.
Navigating Sensitive Topics
When asked about the impact of Trump’s immigration policies on Latin American communities, Pascal acknowledged the fear and vulnerability experienced by many immigrants. He emphasized his own experience as a child refugee from Chile and the importance of protecting those seeking safety and refuge in the United States.
“It’s obviously very scary for an actor who participated in the movie to speak on issues like this. It’s far too intimidating of a question for me to really address. I’m not informed enough. I want people to be safe and to be protected and I want very much to live on the right side of history,” Pascal said.
Fear and the Power of Storytelling
In response to a question about international guests’ anxieties about traveling to the U.S., Pascal delivered a powerful message of defiance: “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.”
A Mixed Reception at Cannes
Despite the star power and timely themes, ‘Eddington’ received a muted response at its premiere, receiving a five-minute standing ovation for Joaquin Phoenix’s performance. The Hollywood Reporter’s review described the film as a “distancing slog,” lacking the suspense or humor to fully engage audiences.
