Ari Aster’s latest film, ‘Eddington’, dives deep into the complexities of modern society through its compelling characters and narrative structure. In this analysis, we explore the film’s themes, character dynamics, and the profound influence of media and social platforms.
The Meaning of ‘Eddington’
I love when a director breaks down their thought process and the decisions behind their film. Ari Aster is one of the most transparent and honest filmmakers today.
It may surprise you to learn that this movie draws some inspiration from real life.
The seeds were planted during the tumultuous period of May-June 2020. Aster found himself in New Mexico, scrolling through Twitter and sensing an overwhelming feeling of impending doom.
It was this sense of a world on the brink that he aimed to capture—a snapshot of a society grappling with profound uncertainty and division.
From this, he began to weave a narrative.
Characters in a Divided World
At the core of Eddington is Joaquin Phoenix’s Joe Cross, a character Aster describes as a “vivid real person” with firmly held beliefs.
Cross embodies what Aster sees as a “libertarian shift in American politics,” where the language of 1960s liberal activism has been co-opted and “distorted” by the right wing.
This reflects the characters in this world, each the protagonist of their own stories, with unique perspectives on what’s wrong with the world and how to address it.
A central theme of the film is the fragmentation of reality.
Aster points to social media as a powerful tool that has been “harnessed” to distract from larger power dynamics, further isolating individuals within their ideological bubbles.
The Weight of the Past and the Influence of Media
The past looms large in Eddington, represented by the unseen yet significant character of Louise’s father, a former sheriff and Joe Cross’s mentor.
This character, alongside the film’s Western mythology, symbolizes a bygone era, illuminating the current state of American culture.
Things in this town once felt “great,” and Cross bears the burden of trying to find a way back.
The pressure intensifies with a mayoral election and the media’s role in shaping perceptions about everyone involved.
Aster notes that these characters are “media literate” to a degree, their self-perception and actions influenced by the Westerns and 80s/90s action films they have consumed.
See More ...
This self-awareness, filtered through popular culture, adds another layer of complexity to their motivations.
The Collaborative Spirit
Aster also shared insights into his collaborative process, especially with actor Joaquin Phoenix. He emphasized the importance of keeping questions alive and avoiding a “dead” or “acted” performance, showcasing his commitment to authenticity.
Cinematic Influences
We’ve already explored some films that influenced Eddington, and it was fascinating to see how many Westerns were part of Aster’s development process.
To immerse his crew in the film’s spirit, Aster screened The Last Picture Show and Nashville, praising the former for its specific, humorous, and non-condescending portrayal of small-town characters.
The Internet Rules
The most significant influence on Eddington was the internet, particularly Twitter.
We’ve all ventured down those dangerous rabbit holes of fake news, memes, and outrage. This movie personifies these elements through various characters.
Aster’s goal was to foreground screens in the film, highlighting their “insidious and transformative” effects on individuals and society as a whole.
What’s the Meaning of the Movie?
Ultimately, this film explores a nation at a crossroads and is a must-see for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of our modern world.
It illustrates how each individual is shaped by their perceptions and social media presence, influencing decisions about love, hate, intimacy, and voting.
In the end, the true masters are the corporations that manipulate this world, operating above the law to extract resources while keeping us content online.
It’s one of my favorite films of the year, and I encourage you to watch it.
Share your thoughts in the comments.
